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HISTORY 



Town of Marlborough 



Ulster County, New York 



From its Earliest Discovery 



By C. M. WOOLSEY 



ILLUSTRATED 



ALBANY 

J. B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS 

1908 






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Copyright, 1908 
C. M. WOOLSEY. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE. 

Preface 7 

CHAPTER I. 

Introduction 11 

How the Town Derived Its Name IG 

The Town of ^Marlborough 18 

CHAPTER II. 
Early Patents and Land Grants 27 

CHAPTER III. 

The Indians 51 

Maintononiali — A Poem .3(j 

Tlie Early Settlers 80 

Our Ancestors 8G 

CHAPTER IV. 
Town of Marlborough in the Revolution, including: 

The Committee of Safety 91 

The Signers of the Pledge and Those Who Refused to Sign.. 96 

Levies and Militia 101 

Invasion of Canada 104 

Lewis DuBois and William Martin 107 

Soldiers from the Town 108 

DuBois' Regiment 109 

Captain Jacob Wood's Company and His Court-Martial.. 110, 11.3 

C4eneral Vaughn's Expedition 113 

Lieutenant Rose Cashiered IIG 

New !Marlboroug]i, 26 Apr. 1777. Proceedings of the Com- 
mittee 117 

Petition of Samuel Townsend Ili^ 

Petition of Elizabeth Wiggins 120 

Lewis DuBois' Court-Martial 122 

No Consideration Shown Traitors — General Clinton About 

the Tories 125, 126 

Jacobus Rose 126 

Silas Gardiner 130 

Arthur ^McKinney 131 

Petition of tlie Inhabitants of New Borough and New ^larl-. 

borough 132 

Petitions of Levi Quimby and Others 132 

Jacob Dayton 13.5 

Petition of Leonard Smith 138 

Petition of Cadwallader Colden, Jr 140 

Petition of Elnathan Foster and Others 142: 

Tories 143: 

A Day of Rejoicing 145 



4 Contents. 

CHAPTER V. 

Precinct and Town Meetings ami Records 149 

CHAPTER YI. 
Ancient Roads jgg 

CHAPTER VII. 

]\Iarks of Cattle 201 

Strays 204 

Ancient Records .>()-^ 

Ancient Town Matters 211 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Village of iMarllKM-ough, 17(i4 215 

Colden's Ridge 210 

The Map of Dr. Renjaniin Ely 21S 

Slavery 224 

CHAPTER IX. 

The War of 1812 and the INIexican War 237 

Assessment on Bond Patent 242 

Horatio Gates Saft'ord's Gazetteer, etc 24.3 

Ancient Houses 24.5 

Mills and Factories 247 

Vessels and Transjjortation 249 

Ferries and Docks 253 

Hudson River 257 

Jeffrow"s Hook 259 

CHAPTER X. 

Facts and Incidents 2G3 

The Maid of Marlborough — A Poem 2()8 

Men of Prominence 2()!l, 270 

Hallocks' Ponds 270 

List of Supervisors 273 

Town Clerks and Justices of the Peace 275, 276 

Lawyers and Doctors 279, 280 

The Antwerp Raspberry 283 

CHAPTER XI. 

Ancient Customs and Ha])its 285 

Ancient ^lanuscripts of the Weather 297 

Ancient Burial Places 302 

The Men Who Voted in 1834 310 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Civil War 317 

Lieutenant Edward Ketcham 319 

Lieutenant Jolm Ketcham 319 

Captain N^ehemiali H. Mann 334 

Recruiting for the 120th Regiment 341 

Special Elections to Raise Money 344 

List of those Enrolled in the Army and Xavy 346 

State Militia .' 348 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The Presbyterian Society and Churcli 351 



Contents. 5 

chapter xiv. 

Methodism in the Town of ^larlborough 3-^ 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Baptist Society and Church 405 

Catholics and Catholic Churches 414 

The Episcopal Churches 419 

The [Milton Society of Friends 42.5 

CHAPTER XVI. 

ilarlborough 431 

Milton 437 

Lattintown 446 

Societies and Institutions 451 

Business Enterprises 457 

People, Lands and Conditions 459 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



C. M. Woolsey Frontispiece. 

Large Ancient Map Drawn by Dr. Beujaniin Ely, ^ 

In poclci on front cover. 

PAGE. ^ 

Map of Town, 1874 20 

Commission of William Woolsey 102 ' 

Order for Payment of Money Dne the Otlicers 108 

Certificate of the Officers of Lewis DnBois' Regiment 108' 

Assessment in Captain Wood's Company 110. 

Order by Captain Wood 112. 

Ancient .Signatiires 148^ 

Th3 Col. Lewis DuBois House 210 ■ 

Map of Village of Marlborough, 1704 214 

Residence of C. M. Woolsey 230 

Assessment Roll — Bond Patent 242- 

The Oldest House in the Town 244 

The C. M. Woolsey Building 202 . 

Smith's Falls . . /. 268 , 

Long Pond 270 " 

Long Pond 272 - 

The Elijah Lewis House 274 ' 

The Anning Smith House 280- 

The Xoali Woolsev House 296' 

The Old Chestnut 'Tree at Lyons Corner 302 ^ 

Edward Hallock Ketcham 316 - 

John Townsend Ketcham 320^^ 

Hartshorn's Store, Marlborough 3.50. 

^Marlborough Presbyterian Church 370 

Marlborough M. E.' Church 400, 

Falls at :\Iarlborough Village 432 ■ 

Milton Village 430 / 

C. J. Miller Building 444 ^ 



PREFACE 



Many people never look at the preface of a book; 
yet it may have considerable merit, as it presents in 
some small degree what we may expect to find further 
on. In most all communities but little care has been 
taken to preserve the original events, the commence- 
ment of things as we might say, and the commence- 
ment of all things is most interesting, whether they 
be of the town, county or state. And what a great 
thing it would be to know the beginning of the crea- 
tion — the world and the stars and all that God made 
for the pleasure and benefit of all people — all this 
we may never know, yet we can have the consolation 
of knowing something about the people and condi- 
tions of former times in our own neighborhood. It 
has been said by a great writer that local history was 
the greatest of all history; it brings us in touch with 
the place and its inhabitants of former times. We see 
why certain habits and customs have been handed 
down to us — connects the past with the present — 
shows the character and services of our fathers — 
and, as far as may be, produces the familiar scenes 
of by-gone years. But what little care has been taken 
to preserve ancient papers and records and memor- 
anda of past events. Oftentimes someone during a 
long life would gather up valuable material, and al- 
most before he was in his grave, all this treas- 
ure would be transferred to the garret or wagon loft, 
never to be examined again, and in time scattered and 
forgotten. This comes home to me. I well remem- 
ber, when a little child of a few years, my grandfather, 
Richard I. Woolsey, died, and his large trunk, filled 
with valuable records of the past, which had been the 

[7] 



History of Marlborough. 



l)ride of his life to gather and save, was removed to 
the room over the wagon shed and it was a pastime 
for other little children and myself to examine and 
scatter this data all aliont the bnilding in the search 
for a stray pictnre. No one appeared to know its 
vakie. How safely we wonld treasure those records 
if we had them now ! The works of the dead are soon 
forgotten, but in after years we realize our mistakes. 
It has been a great labor and required diligent re- 
search to find as much as I have. I have examined old 
jiapers to secure notices and advertisements, and have 
visited many cities to examine lil)raries and ancient 
records, and though I have not always been success- 
ful, yet enough facts have been obtained to show 
that our town was, in education, patriotism, and all 
things that make up good citizenship, the equal of any 
of the towns in the county. I find the troul)le has been 
that while other places boasted of their ancestry and 
great deeds, there was no one to do justice to our town 
and record its honored past. Marlborough has al- 
ways been a quiet and modest town and allowed other 
places to get ahead of it. No one has sung its praise 
or recorded its worth; we hope hereafter it will be 
known far and near, that there is such a place as the 
Town of Marlborough. 

The author has tried his best to l)e impartial, and 
if certain family names and certain events appear to 
be more generally used than others, it is only because 
we were able to get such information. We could not 
write about men and things of which we could get no 
record. I have asked a great many people to give me 
information about their families so I could incorpo- 
rate it in this work, but with few exceptions, they 
could help me little; therefore I could not write about 
what I did not have. I feel that there are many things 
that could have been said, yet I could not get the neces- 
sary information; so do not blame me for the omis- 
sions that have been made. 



Preface, 9 

I give many names. Names are dry reading, but 
they are useful for reference, delightful to the de- 
scendant who sees his grandfather's upon an honored 
roll, invaluable to the future historian, and represent 
the living facts without which history could not l)e 
written. It is the men and not the things which make 
the records. God made the world, and wondrous and 
beautiful it is; but, without the men who inhabit it, 
how useless and extravagant would it appear! So 
this history of the men who trod the soil we tread, who 
saw the same hills, the same valleys, the same broad 
Hudson that we see, but in a dilferent age and genera- 
tion, in less cultivated and more troublf^some times, is 
presented to the Town of Marllwrough. 

Local history has been neglected. Plistorians have 
generally written of great events of a national charac- 
ter ; of the great statesmen ; of the leaders of armies, 
who marched through provinces and sul)dued princi- 
palities and kingdoms; but the mass of the people 
who make up the nation, the bone and sinew — the 
millions of the middle class have hardly received a 
passing notice. 

The sun is great and incomprehensible lieyond and 
above all, but for what would it answer if it had no 
earth to shine upon? What would the statesman and 
general accomplish without the help of the plain 
people of the little towns and villages all over our 
land ? They make the statesman and the general. 
Were it not for the humble people they lead, what 
would they accomplish ? Until within a few years l)ut 
little attention has been paid to local history. The 
Daughters of the Revolution have done much toward 
this end and all over the land, bronze tablets mark 
the spots of great achievements, or the places where 
patriots fell. To the humble people of the town and 
of the state, is this little work, with all its imperfec- 
tions, dedicated. 

C. M. W. . 



HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH 



CHAPTEE I. 



Introduction. 

AVliY do I write this bookf The fact is, I am not a 
writer, never had a desire nor did I ever intend to 
write a book, but some time since, at the request of 
those interested in the history edited by Judge Clear- 
water, I hunted up ancient documents, traced the truth 
of old .traditions, and in doing- so became very much 
interested. I would find out things about the town 
and its people in olden times of which I had never 
heard, and becoming interested, would trace them to 
their source. In such research I would discover other 
matters, and thus obtained much information which 
was sent to be incorporated in the county history.' 
When the book was pulilished, I was disappointed in 
finding l)ut a small part of my contribution, and it was 
all right, as the history of Kingston and all the towns 
afforded so much material for a book that most of the 
articles had to be reduced in size, that the book should 
not be too large. In accepting a part of my article. 
Judge Clearwater wrote me: 

Your article conteins a great deal of interesting and im- 
portant data * * * Wliat you should really do is to write 
and publish an exhaustive liistory of the Town of Marlborough. 
Doulttless you could sell a great many copies by subscription. 
* * * The article you have written will direct attention 
to tlie importance of ^larlborough from a very early period, 
and will serve to excite and revive interest in the town and its 
men. 

[Ill 



12 HiSTOKY OF Marlborough. 

I tliouglit that what I had found, and more that I 
had obtained from time to time, should not be lost. 
It was doubtful if anyone again would ever attempt to 
collect together, what I had discovered, and I felt it 
should be preserved for coming generations. 

The History of Marlborough published some years 
since, and also the History of Marlborough contained 
in Sylvester's Ulster County History are full of 
errors, and, instead of informing people, mislead 
them. Many statements are made as facts which are 
only predicated on old traditions which never had any 
foundation in truth. These histories were not written 
by natives of the town, Init by people who knew 
nothing about the town or where to find data concern- 
ing it, and were not particularly interested to have it 
accurate. I, therefore, feel that what goes down to 
posterity about our town should be as accurate as pos- 
sible; and though I may have made some errors, 1 have 
tried to found my l)ook on old records, papers, maps 
and traditions, which I have followed to their source; 
and _ though about only two hundred years have 
elapsed since the town was first settled, I have found 
it almost impossible to obtain any old papers or docu- 
ments from any of the old families that might throw 
light on the early history and the stirring events of 
the Revolution. People have ransacked their garrets 
and old trunks without avail; or, at least, with little 
success. I even advertised and did not get a single 
idea, so I was driven to my own resources and re- 
searches, and I had some advantages ; my great-great- 
grandparents, Eichard AVoolsey and Sarah Fowler, 
settled here among the first. They left eight boys and 
four girls, thus my family was early identified with 
the town. A few original papers and documents had 
been preserved in the family, or scattered around and 
left undisturbed only liecause they were not discov- 
ered. And then I had lots of familv and town tradi- 



Introduction. 



tions, and putting them all together and following them 
up, I have been enabled to write this book. And I 
claim for it, that it contains much that would never 
have 1)een known otherwise. I can say that it is in 
the great part absolutely correct, as I have many of 
the original documents. I have written this book for 
the interest I felt in it, and in the old people and cus- 
toms. I have been well paid for all my trouble in the 
pleasure I have taken in its preparation. My curi- 
osity would be aroused when I discovered any -event 
of importance and it was a satisfaction to trace it out. 
The habits and customs of the people who came here, 
and of those who were born and died here, the per- 
sons who were the people of the town in their day, 
who reared their families, did their business here, cul- 
tivated the same fields that we are now working, went 
to the same churcbes, attended the same schools, and 
did much as we are now doing — they cleared up the 
forests. They were our ancestors and the neighbors 
of our ancestors; their shadowy forms in remem- 
brance, history and tradition float before us. AVhen 
we read and think about them and trace the lands 
they owned, the houses they built, we almost feel that 
we have seen them, that they have come down from 
the shadowy past and have communed with us, have 
told us of their lives, have pointed out to us and de- 
scribed the aspect of the town in their day, have 
rehearsed to us the events which were considered of 
importance in their time. 

It is a pleasure and a duty to preserve their names 
and memory so far as we can, and I am perfectly con- 
tent if this venture pays the printer and binder. I 
can state only tire plain facts a1)out a |)lain people.. 
r)ur town has produced no great men ; no great events 
have happened here; no great city has arisen; no 
great mechanical industries have developed. We have 
never had what might be called a town center, part 



14 History of Marlborough. 

of our people went iu one direction and the rest in 
another ont of the town to do much of their necessary 
business. 

The people have always been quiet, consistent, 
consevative, honest, industrious, Christian, and a 
patriotic people, not unlike the great ])ody of people 
who form our commonwealth. 

I have not attempted to give the record of families ; 
I can not give the record of my own family correctly. 
My great-great-grandfather, born in Westchester 
county, in 1697, settled in this county early in 1700, 
and left a large family and numerous descendants; 
outside of my own line, I can not trace them with any 
degree of certainty. I certainly would fail trying to 
make a family record for other people. The attempt 
to do so by those who have written about the town, 
has generally proven a fraud and a failure. I give 
the names of the people who lived at different times, 
and tire dates and the capacity in which they served, 
so that anyone familiar with his own family history, 
can trace them out for himself. 

In former times when this town was a part of New- 
l)urgh, its associations and interests were all with that 
section. Newburgh was its center for business, banks 
and trade, and when it was taken off and made a 
separate town, it ever since has retained to some ex- 
tent the sam-e relation to Newburgh. After the 
division, and after Newburgh was taken off of Ulster 
county, Marlborough became a border and corner 
town, and having but little interest with the rest of 
the county it never received the consideration it 
deserved. 

This history comprises events from the earliest 
settlement of the town to the close of the civil war, 
though some matters are referred to which occurred 
since. The intention has been to preserve the record 
of the early events as they would soon pass out of 



Inteoduction. 15 



existence and be forgotten. The papers and records 
which I have given in full, instead of a reference to 
the same, are published to show the habits, customs 
and transactions of the people in those times. They 
will certainly give anyone a better conception and 
knowledge than anything I might write about them. 
It is always a great advantage to have the original 
document to judge from for yourself and one can 
form his own conclusions and often arrive at a better 
understanding than from any comments the writer 
might make al)0ut them; so I have given many in full, 
and just as they are, with all their incorrect spelling, 
grammar and other inaccuracies. 

In this brief history, no attempt is made to give all 
the events and conditions that have transpired in the 
town from the first settlement, but more particularly 
to obtain and record the earlier events, the trials and 
struggles, the habits and customs of the sturdy and 
industrious people who settled here in earlier times, 
and carved a home and name among these stony hills 
and valleys; and they are worthy of all praise for 
what they accomplished, for several colonies at dif- 
ferent times had previously examined and inspected 
these shores, but were discouraged at their rugged- 
ness and apparent barrenness of soil, and settled in 
other places; and these who settled here had hardly 
emerged from the wilderness, hardly completed com- 
fortable houses and buildings, and cleared but a small 
part of the land, when they were called upon to face 
a long and Intter war with a foreign nation, when they 
must endure great suffering and privation. Many of 
their neighbors took sides in opposition; but by the 
laps-e of time, and the neglect and d_estruclion of 
earlier papers and records of those times, very little 
has been left to us. An effort has been made to gather 
the remaining fragments, and preserve them that all 
should not be lost, and especially that the stirring 



16 History of Marlborough. 



events that tried our ancestors' hearts in the great 
strife, and their names and memory, shonkl not be 
lost from the earth. 

In conclusion, I would say, that if I have succeeded 
in pleasing anyone, in giving any information of tlie 
past, and in preserving the traditions and history of 
the town, I am content. 



How THE Town Derived its Name. 

Marlborough was so named after John Churchilh 
Duke of Marlborough, the greatest and most success- 
ful general in English history. He was born at Ashe, 
in Devonshire, England, in 1650. The course of his 
early education is but little known, and it is probable 
that he learned but little from schools and liooks. At 
the early age of twelve, his father carried him to 
Court, where the loyalty of the family was well 
known. He soon became a page to the Duke of York, 
and was commissioned as ensign in the guards at 
sixteen. He was at the battle of Tangier and in 
engagements with the Moors; on his return to Eng- 
land he l^ecame captain. His further advancement 
was promoted by his comely person and prepossessing 
manners, his own merit, and the influence of his sister, 
Arabella, mistress of the Duke of York. She was the 
mother of the celebrated Duke of Berwick. In the 
campaign from 1672 to 1677 his (Marlborough's) 
courage and ability gained him the praise and in- 
fluence of the celebrated Turenne. His prosperity 
was still further secured by his marriage with Sarah 
Jennings, a lady of talent, imperious disposition, and 
beauty, and one of the Maids of Honor to the Princess 
Anna. She was a great favorite with her mistress 
and had great influence over her. He previously had 
become a Lieut.-Colonel and Colonel. In 1681 he 



How THE Town Derived Its Name. 17 

became a Baron, When King James came to the 
throne, he was made a Peer, and a general in the 
army. On William's ascension to the throne he was 
raised to the dignity of the Earl of Marlborough. 
The same year he won the battle of Walcourt over 
the French, and became the head of the army. He 
had many successes, and rose to the position of the 
Duke of Marlborough. In 1701 the Duke led the allied 
armies into Germany, and with Prince Eugene of 
Savoy, stormed the French and Bavarian lines at 
Donauworth and overthrew their armies in the great 
and decisive battle of Blenheim, in recognition of 
which the Parliament and the Queen caused Blenheim 
palace to be built. In 1705 Marlliorougli was made a 
Prince of the Empire. In 1708 he won the battle at 
Oudenorde which resulted in the total defeat of the 
French. In 1709 he fought the battle of Malplacjuet 
and in 1710 took town after town from the French. 
It would fill a book to tell of his exploits. He brought 
great honor and renown to the English nation, and 
in recognition of his great services Blenheim castle 
was 'presented to him, and has ever since remained 
the estate of his descendants, the subsequent Dukes of 
Marlborough. 

He was a great man in many ways, but all his 
descendants, the subsequent Dukes of Marlborough, 
have accomplished little but to marry rich American 
wives, who were fools enough to exchange great riches 
for empty titles and pay off the debts of profligates 
and bankrupts who had only a title and a great name 
- to give in return. In fact, Blenheim castle and estate 
would long since have been gambled away and spent, 
but under English laws these great estates can not 
be taken from the family. The family can not pass 
title, and judgment and encumbrances can not take it 
away. What a pity we can not sometimes keep the 
old homestead in the family in this country in the 
same way! 



18 History of MxYrlborough. 

Tbe Iron Duke, as he was called, rose from small 
beginnings, with little education, to be the greatest 
general of his age. He died. in 1722, idolized by all 
the English people. 

The ancestors of many of our first settlers were 
soldiers under the Duke, and had marched with him 
through many of the countries of Europe, and had 
been particijoants in his great campaigns and battles 
and victories. In their childhood, in their native 
land and around the firesides of their forefathers it 
was told to them in song and story of the great deeds 
of the Iron Duke and of his men. All the English- 
speaking people sang his praises, and boasted of his 
g'reat renown. Thus it was quite natural that our 
English ancestors would have named the Presbyterian 
society, the j^recinct, and afterward the town, after 
him. 



The Town of Marlborough. 

There is no record that any white num set fopt in 
what is now the Town of Marll)orougli previous to 
1684. By tradition it is chiimed that previous to the 
time when the Twelve Patentees acquired title to their 
lands, known as the Paltz Patent, from the Indians 
in 1677, they had visited the country here, but had 
been deterred from settlement by the ruggedness and 
barrenness of the soil. No effort was made to obtain 
possession of the land at Quassaick, now Newburgh, 
and vicinity from the Indians until 1681, when Gov- 
ernor Dongan bought of Mangenaett, Tsema, Kegh- 
gekapowell, alias Joghem, who claimed to be the 
' ' native proprietors and principal owners ' ' of the 
lands mentioned in the deed, " with the consent of 
Pemeranag-hin, chief sachem of Esopus Indians " and 
other Indians named, " all that tract and parcel of 



The Town of Maelboeough. - 19 

land situate, lying and being upon the west side of 
Hudson's River, beginning from the south side of 
the land called called the Paltz, and extending thence 
southerly along the said river to the lands belonging 
to the Indians at the Murderer's Kill (now Moodney 
Creek), and extending westward to the foot of the 
High-hills called Pit-kis-ka-ker and Aia-skawosting." 
This tract ran from the Paltz purchase, on the nortli, 
to Murderer's Creek (now Moodney Creek), on the 
south, and bounded on the northwest and west by the 
Shawangunk mountains until a point was reached 
from which a due east and west line would strike the 
mouth of. Murderer's Creek. For this immense tract 
Governor Dongan paid ' ' the smu of ninety pounds and 
eleven shillings" in the following articles, viz.: "10 
fathoms blue duffels, 10 fathoms red duffels, 200 fath- 
oms white wampum, 10 fathoms stroudwater, (red 
cloth,) 10 fathoms blue cloth, 10 blankets, 10 guns, 10 
kettles, 10 duffel coats, 10 drawing knives, 10 shirts, 
10 tobacco boxes, 10 childrens' shirts, 10 pairs of hose, 
10 pairs of shoes, 50 lbs. powder, 50 bars of lead, 
10 cutlasses, 10 hatchets, 10 scissors, 10 tobacco 
tongues, 100 flints, 2 rolls tobacco, 20 gallons of rum, 
2 vats of strong beer, and 1 barrel of cider." These 
lands were relinquished, and the Indians residing 
thereon united with Maringoman at his castle on 
Murderer's Creek, about eight miles from its con- 
fluence with the Hudson. 

It will be observed that what is now the Towns of 
Marlborough and Platekill were embraced tin ithis tract. 
This land, purchased by Gov. Dongan, was conveyed 
by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher, his successor, in a patent 
to Capt. John Evans, dated September 12, 1691, and 
was called the Manor of Fletcherdon. The patent, 
however, was in 1699, annulled by an act of the 
• Colonial Assembly, and the land reverted to the 
Crown. It was claimed that while these lands were 



20 History of Marlborough. 

in the possession of Evans, no settlements were made, 
except one by a family near Murderer's Creek, but. 
by bis petition it appears that he had planted several 
families of Scotch and Irish on the lands and had 
disl)ursed a large sum of money in clearing and im- 
proving the same, and it is quite certain that Dennis 
Eelje (Relyea), or as he was afterwards called " Old 
Dennis " was settled on the stream that is now called 
the Old Man's Kill at the present village of Marl- 
borough soon after Evans got the patent. He was 
the first settler of the town of whom we have any 
knowledge; and the stream or kill there was called 
after him. We find it so called in the year 1697. 
Evans tried very hard to have this patent restored to 
him and he made the following petition: 

To the Queen's most excellent ]\lajesty 

The humble Petition of John Evans Captn of your ^lajestv's 
ship the Defiance Sheweth — That your petitioner beino; Com- 
mander of the Kichmond Man-of-Warr in the year 1693. was 
sent to attend the ]n-ovince of New York in America, where he 
continued almost six years, and performed considerable Sen'ice 
for the benefit of that Colony. 

That Coll: Benjamin Fletcher then Govr of Xew York in 
consideration thereof and of five hundred ])ounds paid to him 
by your Petitioner, in lieu of liis established fees upon grants 
of lands, by letters Patent under the great seal of that province, 
granted unto your petitioner and his heirs, a large tract of un- 
appropriated land called Murderers creek, containing 18 miles 
in length fronting on Hudson's Eiver, and 30 miles l)ackwards 
which had l)een bought l)y Coll Dongan when Govr of New 
York from the Indian natives for seventy pounds. On which 
tract your Petitioner expended great sums of money in clearing 
several places for Farms, and jdanted several familys of Scots 
and Irish under Annual rents, intending to retire thither him- 
self, when there sliould he a happy and lasting peace. 

That after Coll : Fletcher and your Petn'r l)eing commanded 
from New York to Engld the late Earl of Bellamonte next 
succeeding Govr of that Colony, having conceived some pre- 
judice to them Ijoth, and designing to take to his own use and 
profit several tracts of land which had been granted by Coll : 
Fletcher to your Petitioner and others in order thereunto, pro- 



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Map of Towx, 1874. 



The Town of Marlborough. 21 

cured an Assembly to be cliosen of Ignorant, necessitous and 
profligate persons (most of them Dutch) who by his direction 
passed an Act, Intitled: an Act for destroying extravagant 
grants made l)y Coll : Fletcher, whereby Your Petitioner was 
stript of liis lands and improvements, but the said act being 
sent over for the confinnation of the late King Williaui the 
third. His ]\Iajesty upon a true representation of the ill prac- 
tices used to obtain that act, refused to confirm it, Init not 
rejecting it, the same continued in force till repealed l)y a 
subsequent law. 

That upon tlie arrival of the Lord Viscount l'ornl)ury to 
that Governmt the iuhabitants of tlie ])rovinc(', tiiinking their 
Titles precarious whilst such an Act remained in force, applyd 
for redress to the first Assembly conven'd l)y His Lordp, who 
by anotlier Act, unanimously re})ealed the said Act passed 
during the Earl of Bellamont's administration, w]iercl)y Your 
Petitioner was restored to and enjoyed his lands, till Your 
llajesty sent a great numl)er of Palatines to Xew A'ork. when 
Your Majesty liaving not been truly informed, how those acts 
were olttained. was prevailed on to confirm the Act of Assembly 
made during the Lord Bellamont's time, for destroying Coll: 
Fletcher's Grants and to reject the said Act of Repeal passed 
in tlie Lord Cornlniry's tiuu\ and to gi'ants Your Petitioner's 
lands to those Palatines, hy which means your Petitioner, who 
has been in your jMajesty's sea service, during your whole IJeign 
and faithfully discharged his trust, is deprived of his property, 
and of an Estate for which he had been offered ten thousand 
])ounds sterling money in England, without being heard in his 
defence or having the least notice thereof, till at his last I'eturn 
from the Straights, he was informed of it to his great surprise: 

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays, that Your 
Majesty will be graciously pleased to restore him the said Traet 
of Land (there being other unappropriated lands in Xew York 
sufficient to receive the Palatines) or to give your Petitioner 
an equivalent for it. And your Petitioner shall ever pray ettc. 
Xov. 1. 1:11. 

Evans never recovered these lands, and it became 
the i)olicY of the government thereafter to discontinue 
granting snch extensive tracts, hnt to issue smaller 
patents to actnal settlers, or to those who wonld 
settle people upon them. The lands embraced in what 
is now the Town of ^Tarllwrongh were granted hr 



22 History of Marlborough, 

patent to John Barbarie, Griggs and Graliam, William 
Bond, Archibald Kennedy, Lewis Morris, and Com- 
pany, and George Harrison. Hugh Wentworth ap- 
pears to have had a patent on the line of this town, 
and between that and a line from Paltz Point to Blue 
Point. A description of the patents will be hereafter 
given. . 

There was no civil organization of the lands now 
embraced in the Town of Marlborongh until after the 
colony called the Palatines settled in 1709 where New- 
burgh now is. In 1710 the Precinct of Highlands was 
formed with limits undefined, by an order of the Court 
of Sessions of Ulster county. 

The .organization of the territory remained the 
same until 1743 when by an Act of Assembly three 
full precincts were formed, having all the officers of 
towns and exercising all their duties. These precincts 
so formed were Wallkill, Shawangunk, and High- 
land precincts. Highland embracing what is now 
Marlborough, Plattekill, Xewburgh and New Windsor. 
It emlu'aced the patents lying along the Hudson River 
from Murderer's Creek, (Moodney Creek,) to the line 
of New Paltz, and was more particularly described 
in the Act of 1743 as '* bounded on the eastward by 
Hudson's River, on the southward by Murderer's 
Creek, on the westward by the east bounds of Cold- 
en's, Johnson's, Van Dam's, and Barbarie 's patents, 
and north by the south bounds of Paltz patent." 

The })recinct meetings were to l)e held " at the 
house of John Humphrey, Jr. (at Little Britain), on 
the first Tuesday of April, annually," for the elec- 
tion of precinct officers. 

In 1743, by an Act of Assembly, for the better clear- 
ing and further laying public roads, Ca|)t. Thomas 
Ellson, Capt. Alexander Colden, and Mr. Zacharias 
Hofman, Jr., were appointed commissioners. The 
roads were to be four rods wide except through 



The Town of Marlborough. 23 



meadows and improved lands, each of the commis- 
sioners to receive for compensation a sum not to ex- 
ceed six shillings a day for each day as a reward for 
his care and trouble. 

The precinct of the Highlands continued in exist- 
ence for more than fifty years and until 1762 (I am 
unable to find any record of its proceedings or history 
during this tim-e,) when it was divided into the precincts 
of Newburgh and New Windsor by a line beginning 
at the mouth of Quassaick Creek and running thence 
along the south bounds of a tract of land commonly 
called the German Patent to another tract granted to 
Alexander Baird, and then along the southerly l)ounds 
of the said last-mentioned tract to the Wallkill pre- 
cinct; all the lands heretofore comprehended within 
the said Highland precinct lying to the southward 
of the aforesaid dividing line to be called by the 
name of New Windsor precinct and all the lands 
heretofore comprehended within the said Highland 
precinct lying to th« northward of the said line to be 
called by the name of Newburgh precinct. 

By an Act of Assembly in 1762, Capt. Jonathan 
Hasbrouck, Lewis DuBois, and Samuel Fowler were 
appointed Commissioners of Highways. 

The Act of Assembly, passed December 11, 1762, 
which divided the Highland precinct into the pre- 
cincts of Newburgh and New Windsor, directed that 
the first precinct meeting should be held at the house 
of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck. This house is the 
present Washington Headquarters at Newburgh, and 
the records of the persons chosen to the different offi- 
ces, and the business transacted at the precinct meet- 
ings is given for nine years up to 1772. These 
are hereafter given in full for the reason that the 
transactions apply to the territory which is now the 
city and town of Newburgh in Orange county and 
-the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster 



24 HisTOKY OF Marlborough. 

— all at the time being within the limits of Ulster, 
and the relations of Plattekill and Marlborough have 
always been closely intimate with Newburgh; in fact 
they have always been dependent upon Newl)urgh as 
a ))nsiness center, and it is thought it might be inter- 
esting to the peoi)le of the southern part of the 
county, and also of Newburgh, to have the records 
in their entirety. It is impossible to locate the resi- 
dences of the different persons named; many of 
them were residents of Marlborough and Plattekill, 
and some of the roads laid out at the time are now 
within the bounds of Marlborough and Plattekill, and 
the ] population of what is now Marlborough and 
Plattekill was about the same as what is now 
Newl)urgh. 

In 1772 by an Act of Asseml)ly the Newburgh pre- 
cinct was divided l)y a line running along the north 
bounds of the Plarrison, Bradley, AVallace, Kip and 
Cruger, and Jamison Patents to the precinct of 
Shawangunk, " all the lands lying to the northward 
of said line to be called and known by the name of 
New Marlborough Precinct, and all the land south of 
said line to continue to be called Newlnirgh Precinct." 
This Act of 1772 provided that the first precinct meet- 
ing should be held on "April ye 7th, 1772, at the 
house of Henry Deyo in Lattintown." A full set of 
precinct or town officers, except commissioners, were 
chosen and other business transacted, and it is quite 
plain to distinguish whether the persons named re- 
sided in what is now the Marlborough or Plattekill 
part. The proceedings of that meeting are herein- 
after given. By Act of Assembly, 1772, Samuel Car- 
penter, Lewis DuBois, Caleb Merritt, Joseph Morey 
and Richard Woolsey were appointed Commissioners 
of Higliways for the precinct. 

The ]^recinct of New Marlborough l)ecame a town 
and took the name of the town of New Marlborough 



The Town of Marlborough. 25 

in 1788. In the year 1800 what is now the town of 
Plattekill was set off and Marlborough was left as it 
is to-day. When the law of 1813 was enacted, divid- 
ing the county into towns, the boundaries of Marl- 
borough were stated as follows: '' That part of the 
county of Ulster bounded easterly l)y the middle of 
Hudson's River, southerly by Orange county, west- 
erly by a line beginning- on the line of the said county 
of Orange, two chains and seventy-five links east of 
the north corner of a tract of land called the five 
])atentees; from thence on a straight line northward 
to the most easterly bounds of Kobert Teft's land 
where it joins the town of New Paltz, and northerly 
by a tract of land granted to Louis DuBois and his 
partners, called the New Paltz Patent, shall be and 
continue a town by the name of Marlborough." The 
area of the town is l-l:,300 acres, and th-e population in 
1900 was 4,000. 

What is known as the Evans tract, mentioned else- 
where, formerly embraced the whole territory of this 
town and much more. This was an immense tract 
embracing many thousand acres, and granted by the 
then Governor to Capt. John Evans. 

There was a controversy during 1691, 1(392 and 
1693, as to the propriety of making a grant so large. 
On the accession of the Earl of Bellomont to the 
governorship, he and the assembly annulled the trans- 
action, but the act was not ap]^roved by William III ; 
it w^as suffered to remain as the law, but the grant 
was annulled in May, 1699, and the land reverted to 
the crown. 



CHAPTER IL 
Patents and Land Grants. 

The original subdivisions of the town were made in 
early times by large land grants or patents convey-ed 
by the Province of New York in the name of the King 
or ruler of Great Britain for the time being. Most 
were made to favorites for nominal considerations and 
only one, Captain William Bond, settled ui>on the 
lands so granted. 

The first patent was granted to John Barbarie in 
1709, as follows: 

Anne by the Grace of God, of Great Britten, France and Ire- 
land, Queene Defender of Faith, by the Governor of the 
Province to John Barbarie. Paying therefore yearly and every 
year from thence forth at our Custom House in the City of 
New York to our collector or receiver general, then for ye time 
being at or upon ye Fiirst day of St. Michael, 'the Archangel, 
(commonly called Mk-halmas Day), the rent or sum of two 
shillings and six pence for every 100 acres of land and within 
the s])ace of three years, clear and make improvements of three 
acres of land at the least for every 50 acres, and if not done to 
revert back. 

Beginning on the west side of Hudson Eiver at the south' 
bounds of ye Paltz Patent and runs along Hudson's Eiver on 
a straight line southerly 100 chains and then into ye woods 
Xorth Gl degrees "West 182 chains and thence in ye rear Xorth 
22 degrees East 180 chains to the limits of ye Paltz and soe 
by the said limits South 55 degrees East 184 chains to Hudson's 
Eiver where it first ])egan : containing 2000 acres. 

It will be seen that this had a river front of a mile 
and a quarter, extending from the town line on the 
north to about where the brook ■empties into the river 
south of the Handley dock. Mostly all of ]\rilton is on 
this tract. 

The next patent was the Bond Patent, 1710, which 
patent I give in full to show the conditions of these 

[27] 



28 History of Marlborough. 



grants. They are all substantially the same and are 
quit'e a curiosity at this day : 

Anne, ])\ the grace of God, (juene of Gieat Britain, France 
and Ireland, defender of the faith <.V'c., to all whom these 
presents shall come, or may in any wise concern, greeting: 

Whereas, onr loving subject, William Bond, by his humble 
petition presented to our trusty and well beloved Eol)ert Hunter, 
Esquir, Captain (Tenerall and Governour-in-chief of our provinc 
of New York and territory depending thereon in America, and 
Vic Admirall of the same in Council hath prayed our Grant and 
confirmation of a certain tract of Land in the County of Ulster, 
being part of the Land formerly granted to ("aptain John 
Evans, now vacated and reserved : 

Beginning on the West side of Hudson's river, in the line of 
the South l)()un(ls of the land of Mr. John Barbaric, it runs 
with the said Line up into the Avoods Xorth sixty-one degrees. 
West oiie hundi'ed and seventy chains, thence South three 
degrees. East fifty-one chains, thence South sixty-one degrees, 
East one Innidred and fifty chains to Hudson's ri\er; thence up 
the river Runs to the place where it first begun, containing in the 
whole six Inmdred acres English measure, being bounded North- 
ward by the said land of the said John Barbaric, Westward by 
land not yet surveyed, Southward l)y land not yet surveyed, and 
Eastward by Hudson's river aforesaid, tlie wliich Petition we 
being willing to grant 

KNOW YE that of our especiall grace certain knowledge and 
nieer motion we have given, granted, ratified and confirmed 
and by these presents do for us, our heirs and successors give, 
grant, ratify and confirm unto the said William Bond, all that 
the said grant of land and premises above mentioned and de- 
scribed witli the liereditaments and appurtenances thereunto 
belonging within the limits and bounds aforesaid, together with 
all and singular Woods, I^nderwoods, Trees, Timl^er, feeding 
Pastures, meadow marshes, swamps, Ponds, Pools, AVater, 
Water courses. Pivers, Eivulets, inert or in action. Runs and 
streams of water, fishing, fowling, hawking, hunting, mines and 
niineralls, standing, growing, lying and being to be used had 
and Enjoyed within ye Limits and Bounds aforesaid, and all 
other profits, benefits, privileges, libertys and advantages, 
hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, unto the said tract 
of Land and Premises and any part and paix-el thereof belonging 



Patents and Land Grants. 29 

or in any wise appertaining, and all our estate, riglit, title, inter- 
est, benefit and advantage, claim and demand whatsoever, of, in, 
or to the said tract of land and premises with the hereditaments 
and appurtenances aforesaid and every part and parcel thereof, 
and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, 
together with the yearly and other rents and profits of the same 
tract of land and premises and of every part and parcel thereof 
except always and reserved out of this Our present grant and 
Our heirs and successors all such firr trees and pine trees of the 
diameter of twenty-four inches at twelve inches from the ground 
or root as now are or shall l)e fit to make masts for Our royall 
navy, and also all such other trees as are or shall be fitt to make 
masts, planks or knees for the use of our navy aforesaid only 
which are now standing, growing and lying, and which hereafter 
shall stand, grow and be on and upon the said tract of land and 
premises or any part and parcel thereof with free liberty and 
license for any person or persons whatsoever (by us Our 
heirs and successors thereunto, to be appointed under our sign 
manual), with workmen, horses, wages, carts and carriages, or 
without to enter and come into and upon the same tract of land 
and premises or any part thereof, herel)y granted them, to fell, 
cut down, root up, hew, saw% rue, have, take, cart and carry away 
the same for the use aforesaid (and also except all gold and 
silver mines), to have and to hold all that, the said certain tract 
of land and premises with its hereditaments and appurtenances 
hereby granted as aforesaid (except as before excepted only) 
unto the said William Bond, his heirs and assigns forever to 
the sole and only proper use, benefit and behoof of the said 
William Bond, his heirs and assigns forever. 

To he holden of us our heirs and subjects in fee and common 
soccage as of our manors of East Greenwich in the County of 
Kent, within our realm of Great Britain. Yielding, Eendering 
and Paying therefor yearly and every year unto our heirs and 
successors from henceforth forever at our custom house in Xew 
York to our, or their collectoT or receiver (stationed) there 
for the time being at, or upon the feast day of Saint Michael 
the Archangle (commonly called Michalmas day), the yearly rent 
and sum of two shillings and six pence current money of our 
province of New York for every one hundred acres of land of 
the before mentioned tract of land of six hundred acres here- 
inl)efore granted and confirmed in lieu and stead of all other 



30 HisTOEY OF Marlborough. 

rents, dues, duties, services and demands whatsoever. Provided 
always and these presents are upon this condition, that the 
said William Bond, his heirs and assigns, some or one of them 
shall and do within the space of three years now, next ensuing^ 
the date hereof settle there and make improvements of three 
acres of land at the least for eveiy fifty acres of the said tract 
of land of six hundred acres hereinbefore granted, and in de- 
fault thereof the said Wm. Bond, his heirs or assigns, or any of 
them or any other person or persons, by his or their consent, 
order or procurement shall set on fire or cause to be set on fire 
and burn the woods on the said tract of land hereinbefore 
granted or on a part or parcel thereof to sear the same, that 
then, and in either of these cases this our present grant and 
every clause and article herein contained shall cease, determine 
and utterly void anything herein contained to the contrary 
thereof in any wise notwithstanding. And we do and hereby 
will and gTant that these our letters patent or the record therof 
in our Secretaries office of our said province, shall be good and 
effectival in the law to all intents and purposes notwithstanding 
the not true and will reciting and mentioning of the premises- 
or any part, thereof, the limits and bounds thereof of any former 
or otlier Letters Patent or Grants whatsoever made or granted 
of the same six hundred acres of land and premises or of any 
part thereof being, or any of our progenitors unto any Person 
or Persons whatsoever. Body Politic or Corporate or any law or 
other restraint, uncertainty or imperfection whatsoever to the- 
contrary in any wise notwithstanding. 

In Testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of our 
said Province to be hereunto affixed and these presents to be 
recorded in our said secretarie's office, ^yitness, our trusty 
and well beloved Eobert Hunter, Esquire, Captain General and 
Governor-in-Chief of our said ])rovince of Xew York and prov- 
ince of New Jersey and the territories depending on them in 
America, and Vice Admiral of the same in council at our fort 
in New York this twelfth day of June, in the eleventli year of 
our reign. [l. s.] 

To this interesting old document is appended Queen 
Anne's seal, a tremendons affair of wax, three and 
one-lialf inches in diameter. A similar seal is attached, 
to all these patents. 



Patents and Land Grants. 31 

The deed of the Bond Patent is in the hands of the 
Hallock family at Milton, and they still own some of 
the land. 

The next is the Griggs & Graham Patent granted in 
1712: 

Beginning at the North side of the South branch of the Old 
Man's Kill at a certain point of land between the said branches, 
and runs along Hudson's Eiver in a direct line 102 chains, 
thence into the woods West 115 Chains to the German's land 
laid out there, thence South 34 degrees West 120 chains and 
thence East 148 chains, bounded K'orth and South by land not 
laid out, East by Hudson's Eiver and West by the German's 
and land not laid out; containing 1200 acres. 

The next patent was to Lewis Morris and others 
in 1714: 

Beginning at the north-west corner of the land of Alexander 
Griggs & Co. and then running as the river line of the said 
land of said Alexander Griggs d- Co. runs. South 54 degi'ees. 
West 120 chains to the southermost corner of the said land of 
said Griggs & Co., thence South 75 chains to the north bounds 
of the land of Francis Harrison, Esq. & Co. runs west into the 
woods 160 chains to the foot of the Blew Mountains, then as 
the said mountain runs travers protracted north northeast 450 
chains to a black oak marked with three notches and a cross in 
all four sides, thence south 61 degrees, east 55 chains to the 
northwest corner of the land of William Bond, thence as the 
river line of said land of William Bond runs south 3 degrees, east 
51 chains to the southwest corner of the said land of William 
Bond and thence south 156 chains to the place were it first 
began, containing 3600 acres with allowances for l)roken barren 
land and highways. 

It will be seen that the western line of the patent is 
so nncertain that I cannot tell where it is but it does 
not include the western part of the town as far north 
as it goes. This patent was known and always went 
by the name of the seven patentees, as the patent was 
granted to seven persons : Lewis Morris, Augustin 



32 History of Marlborough. 

Graham, Lymon Clarke, Henry Wileman, William 
Bond, Henry Bainer and Al-exander Griggs. 

The next is the Archibald Kennedy Patent for two 
tracts of land lying on the river, granted in 1715 : 

1st, Beginnin*^- at the southeast corner of the land of Alex- 
ander Griggs & Co. and runs west l.")!) chains, thence south 110 
■ chains to the land of Francis Harrison, Esq., and Co., then east 
170 chains to Hudson's river, thence as the river runs to the 
place vfliere it first l)egan; containing 1200 acres. 

2nd, The otlier certain parcel heginning at the northeast 
corner of the land of said Alexander Griggs & Co. and run- 
ning west 72 chains, thence north 135 chains to the line of 
William Bond's land, thence south 61 degrees, easterly 102 
chains to the river and thence as the river runs to the place 
where it hegan ; containing 800 acres, which with the other 
parcel aforesaid coni])letes 2000 acres. 

This first lot of 1,200 acres is the southernmost 
patent in the town and marks the town's southern 
])Oundary. It adjoins the Francis Harrison Patent. 

The next is the George Harrison Patent, granted 
in 1750: 

George the second. l)y tlie Grace of God, of Great Britten, 
France and Ireland, Iving and Defender of the Faith, * * * 

To all to whom these ])resents shall come greeting: 

Whereas our beloved subject, George Harrison, did by his 
humble petition })resented to our trusty and well beloved George 
Clinton, Captain General, Governor in Chief of our Province 
of New York and Territories, thereupon depending in America, 
Vice-admiral of the same and Admiral of tlie white squadron 
of our fleet. * * * 

Granted l)y jiatent 2000 acres to George Harrison in three 
tracts: The first of which tracts l)eginning at the southwest 
corner of a certain tract of land containing 800 acres granted 
to Archibald Kennedy, Esq. and in the line of the north bounds 
of a certain tract of land granted to Augustus Graham and 
Alex. Griggs, runs from the said southwest corner along the 
west l)ounds of the said land granted to Archibald Kennedy, 
Xorth 171 chains to the South bounds of a certain tract of land 
granted to William Bond, thence along his said south l)oimds 
North ()1 degrees, West 4(3 chains to the Southwest corner of 



Patents and Land Grants. 33 



William Bond's lands aforesaid, thence along the line of the 
East bounds of a certain tract granted to Lewis Morris and 
others, south 196 chains to the northwest corner of land grante<l 
to Augustus Graham and Alexander Griggs aforesaid and then 
along the line of their north Ijounds East 40 chains to the place 
where this tract first l)egan : containing 705 acres and the usual 
allowances for highways. 

The second lot : This tract beginning at the southwest cor- 
ner of the lands granted to John Barbarie and runs thence 
along his west bounds and to a straight line which runs from 
the point in the High Hills on the west side of the Paltz River 
now commonly called and known by the name of the Paltz 
point to a point on the west side of Hudson River commonly 
called and known by the name of Jeffrow's hook or point, 
N"orth 22 degrees, East 176 chains and 30 links, then along the 
aforesaid line from the said Paltz point to the said Jeffrow's 
point or hook, North 56 degrees. West 55 chains, thence South 
21 degrees, West 181 chains, thence South 61 degrees, East 51 
chains to the place where this tract first began; containing 900 
acres and the usual allowances for highways. * * * 

This lot is partly in Marlborough and partly in 
Lloyd. The third lot is entirely in Plattekill. 

In January, 1793, Gerard Banker, then State Treas- 
urer, conveyed to Daniel Graham 1841 acres of land. 
This tract commenced '' at the southwest corner of 
the lands granted to Morris and others known as the 
seven patentees, thenc-e running along the west 
bounds of said Morris tract 411 chains." * * * 
Some of this land lies in what is now the Town of 
Marlborough, but most of it is in the Town of Platte- 
kill. It will be seen that it joins the west line of the 
seven patentees and it is hard to determine just where 
this line is. 

The first patent along the river on the north was 
the Barbarie patent, next the Bond, and the next 
Kennedy, next Grigg & Graham, and the next 
Kennedy. 

These large tracts were afterward divided and sold 
to actual settlers. Some of the subdivisions are 



34 History of Marlborough. 

herewith given, A patent was conveyed to Solomon 
Simson and by Solomon Simson and others to Samuel 
Fowler, John Young, Alex'r Young, Edward Hal- 
lock (grandfather of the late Nathaniel Hallock), and 
Levi Quimby, jointly; this was in what is now 
Plattekill. 

The south course of the Bond Patent is cut on the 
rock on the south side of the highway leading to 
Lattintown in front of the C. S. Northrip house and 
can be readily seen by any p-erson on passing along 
the road. 

Leonard Smith settled in the north part of the town 
about 1762 and died there a few years thereafter. 
He purchased the north part of the Barberie Patent, 
being 1,000 acres; this adjoined the Samuel Hallock 
tract on the north, both together containing 2,000 
acres and being the lands embraced in the original 
Barberie Patent. LTpon the death of Mr. Smith, his 
sons became the owners of the tract; and his sons, 
Anning, John M., and Leonard, conveyed a part of 
the same to their brother. Luff, and is described as a 
part of the lands granted by letters patent to John 
Barberie, March 24, 1709, being a certain part of the 
northern moiety of said patent. It is supposed that 
this tract of 1,000 acres was divided between the 
children of Leonard Smith, but I only find the deed to 
his son Luff. Some of these lands are still in the 
Smith family. 

This tract was the northern part of what is now 
the Town of Marlborough and was bounded on the 
south by the Samuel Hallock part of said patent, east 
by the Hudson river, north by the line of the Paltz 
Patent, now Lloyd line, and west by the mountain; 
the farm of the late Lewis Smith was a part of 
this tract. It contained the site of the old Smith 
Mills and docks of ancient times, the ancient burial 
ground of the Indians and the cornfields, and the old 



Patents and Land Grants. 35 

Smith graveyard, where many of the first settlers of 
that part are buried. 

The southern portion of the Barbarie Patent deeded 
by Abner Brush, by Thomas Colden, sheriff, to 
Samuel Halloek, dated 1776, consideration £2,111, con- 
veys lands: 

Being part share and })i-oportion of a certain tract of land 
situate npon Hudson's Eiver in the County of Ulster, which 
fell to the share of a certain Richard Albertson in his life time 
upon the division and partition of a certain tract of land pur- 
chased in 1751 by said Richard All^ertson and one Hugh Went- 
worth in their life time, of Mrs. Elizabeth Barberie, containing 
about 2000 acres of land and the usual allowance for highvays. 
One share and proportion of said tract that fell upon the divi- 
sion and partition thereof unto the said Richard Albertson, 
is the part of the said tract of land lying and being on tbe 
south side of a line, beginning on the west side of Hudson's 
River at a heap of stones erected by mutial consent and agTce- 
ment of the said Albertson and Wentworth, a little to the 
northward of Nicolls landing having a small arberbite sapling 
near it and to run from said heap of stones to a heap of stones 
in the rear line of the above named tract, also one half part 
of 40 acres on the north side of the said partition line which 
was reserved for tbe use of a saw mill to be erected thereon 
jointly between the sd Albertson and Wentworth. 

The deed is witnessed by John Bennitt and George 
Clinton, afterward Governor Clinton. 

The above tract was the land granted by patent to 
John Barbarie of 2,000 acres. Upon his death it 
appears to have become the property of his wife. 
Elizabeth Barbarie, and she sold to Richard Albert- 
son and Hugh Wentworth. It was then divided be- 
tween them by a line running from the river west 
through the middle of the tract to the middle of tha 
rear line. Albertson had the south part. He con- 
veyed to Brush, and Brush to Halloek, 1,000 acres. 
This land laid along the north side of the Bond 
Patent, and was granted to Barbarie about 1710 by 
letters patent from the King. Brush built and resided 



36 History of Marlborough. 

in the house where Charles W. Carpenter recently 
died. Nicolls' landing was afterward called Brush's 
dock or landing. It was at what is now called Sand's 
dock. It was a very ancient landing, and sloops and 
vessels sailed from there to New York City and car- 
ried wood and produce for many years. There was 
also a ferry run l)y Samuel Hallock. 

Samuel Hallock l)y executrix, Sarah Hallock, widow 
and relict, conveyed to Benjamin Sands and others : 
Deed dated May 1, 1786; consideration £2,000. Fol- 
lowing is the description: 

Southerly moiety or 1-2 part of tlie patent orranted to John 
Barbarie commencing at Hudson River at north-east corner of 
Bond Patent of 600 acres, and runs west along the north line 
of said Bond Patent and bounded on the north by the other 
half of the Barl)arie Patent owned by Anning Smith and others, 
and also the undivided one-balf interest in the 40 acres on the 
north of the line to l)e used for a saw mill &c jointly. 

Benjamin Sands and others sold to Isaac Hill by 
deed dated June 28, 1799, conveying the Milton dock 
proi)erty : 

Beginning at rock marked "■ J H " to Sutton's line or north 
bounds of Bond's patent, along said patent line to road leading 
from Sutton's saw mill to the river, 1 acre, 2 rods, 1-i perches, 
dwelling liouse, store house and wliarf. 

Isaac Hill sold to William Soper; the deed dated 
April 18, 1809, conveyed the above piece of land and 
dock, and reserves 22 feet by 12 feet for a burial 
ground, as the same was formerly fenced by Isaac 
Hill to whose benefit and to his heirs the above 
reservation is made, but they are to keep the fence in 
repair at their own expense. 

Soper conveyed to Absalom Barrett, May 2, 1836. 
Barrett to David Sands and Josiah Lockwood, March 
1, 1845. Sands and James Sherman and George G. 
Reynolds, assignees of Lockwood, to Sherburne Sears, 
April 13, 18-1:7. Sears to Jacob Handley, April 1, 



Patents and Land Grants. 37 



1850 ; and Haudl-ey by his last will and testament de- 
vised the property to Theophelia G. Townsend, and she 
conveyed the same to her son, "William H. Townsend, 
Angust, 1907. 

Benjamin Sands built the dock soon after he ob- 
tained the deed from Sarah Hallock. It was at that 
time very small and has been enlarged from time to 
time and has been in constant use. It is a favorite 
landing place for all kinds of vessels. 

William Bond conveyed his lands to his daughter, 
Susanna Bond, and she conveyed to William Weynant, 
A.I). 1752, viz. : 

In consideration of natural aifection and love which she 
bears nnto her nephew William Weynant also for and in con- 
sideration of 5 pounds, all that full 100 acres being a part and 
parcel of the above described tract of 600 acres to 1)e taken and 
allowed by him the said William Weynant in any part of the 
said 690 acres in regular shape or form, either square or oblong 
as it shall suit him in time or form. 
Delivered in tlie presence of 
Thomas Knollton 
David Eaxdal 

Acknowledged and proven Ijefore 

Cadwallader Coldex. 

One of His Majesty's Council for 

the Province of New York. 

Susanna Bond also conveyed a tract of land to 
Jurian Mackey out of the said patent of 600 acres as 
follows: 

Xear Dam's Commer being a part of the patent of Capt. 
William Bond the west side of Hudson's Eiver joining north 
by Barbaree, east by Hudson's Eiver, south by Woolsey, west- 
erly by Cornel Moresses patent, that is to say, one-half on the 
north side excluding 100 acres belonging to said Mackey and 
a piece belonging to Capt. Daniel Gardner * * * and my 
two negro men. wench and child, one called or known l)y the 
name of Shadwel. the other by the name of Orendata Orendetes, 
the girl liy the name of Saterea Orendetes, and her child 



38 History of Marlborough. 

Thomas, and all my horses and cattle with all my moveable 
thingp. 

Proven and acknowledged before Levi Pawling, one of the 
judges of the Court of Common Pleas. 

It would appear from this deed that Susanna Bond 
parted with her slaves at this time, 1754. 

She also conveyed a tract of land out of the Bond 
Patent in 1763 to James Hunter. In this conveyance 
she is designated as spinster, and conveys to James 
Hunter, a free mulatto, yeoman, all the Bond patent 
of 600 acres. 

Excepting and always reserving out of the limits and l)ounds 
aforesaid 100 acres of land formerly conveyed Ijy the said 
Susanna Bond to William Weygant, his heirs &c, also 100 
acres conveyed Ijy her to Jurian Mackey, his heirs &c and also 
all that part of said tract which the said Susanna Bond for- 
merly conveyed to Jesse Hallock, his heirs &c * * * 

It appears from this conveyance that she at this 
time parted with the l^alance of the Bond Patent and 
she must have died soon after, as I find that she is 
dead in 1765. She lived to a good old age, as she and 
her father settled on the patent at Milton in 1712, and 
the tradition is that she was a woman at that time 
and kept house for her father and sui)erintended the 
work of their slaves when her father was absent. 
She was never married and she and her father died 
upon the lands and were buried there. 

I find that William Bond conveyed all of the Bond 
Patent to his daughter in October, 1739, and she after- 
ward made the conveyances which are al>ove given. 
He also conveyed to her his other lands. 

It seems that James Hunter in 1765 conveyed his • 
land to John Belfield. Belfield, by sheriff, conveyed 
to Jacob Griffin, 1771. William Bond died about 1710 
and his daughter lived alone upon the lands until the 
time of her death except, it is supi)osed, that her 



Patents and Land Grants. 39 

nephew, William Weynant, lived with her, as she 
afterward gave him a deed of a part of the land. 

The two negro men and the wench that she sold to 
Jurian Mackey at the time she conveyed the 100 acres 
of land to him, were slaves that were brought from 
Africa and purchased by William Bond, and they 
retained their original African names. It is shown 
they had more slaves at different times; several had 
died and some were sold before this; and after the 
sale to Mackey it is ciuite likely she retained some 
to take care of her, though no mention is made of any 
slaves in her conveyance to James Hunter. He is 
spoken of as a free mulatto. It is most likely that 
he had been one of her slaves and that she had pre- 
viously set him free or he had purchased his freedom, 
and she conveyed to him the balance of the Bond 
Patent after excepting the parts that she had sold; 
he retained the lands for a few years, and I find men- 
tion of him again twice. 

The Jesse Hallock to whom she had deeded some 
of the land must have been a non-resident, as I find 
no mention of him afterward, and none of his name 
have ever heard that such a person existed. He most 
likely conveyed his land to Edward Hallock. 

Susanna Bond had a sister Jane who married Jurey 
Wygant. In December, 1762, she conveyed to this 
sister a tract of land in the town of Plattekill whieh 
had belonged to William Bond & Co. under an other 
grant. In October, 1764, Jane Wygant and Jurey, 
her husband, conveyed the same lands to their son, 
Michael Wygant. I speak of this to show that Su- 
sanna did have a sister. The tradition about it has 
always been that Susanna was the only child of 
William Bond. Certainly everything that William 
Bond had, he gave to her, and Susanna conveyed some 
of her property to her nephew, William Wygant, and 
some to her sister Jane Wygant. These people all re- 



40 History of Marlborough. 

sided here, and these Wygants were among the first 
in the town. William Wygant selected his 100 acres 
out of the southeast part of the Bond Patent. Wygant 
conveyed to Elijah Lewis and Lewis to William Eley 
in 1780. This is the land now owned by Silverman, 
Fisk, Hyde, Sturgeon and others. It is supposed that 
William Wygant built the Sturgeon house. 

Kennedy sold his 80()-acre tract to Jacob Gomez; 
and Daniel and Abram, children of Jacob Gomez, sold 
the tract to Eichard Woolsey. In May, 1754. Richard 
Woolsey sold a })art of this tract to Richard Harcourt. 
This is described as follows: 

All that certain piece of land situate on the west side of 
Hudson's Eiver in the Precinct of Highlands in Ulster County, 
Province of New York, heginning at Hudson's Eiver at a pitch 
pine sapling marked on four sides with stones around it; from 
thence north 73 degrees west 79 chains to a stake with stones 
round it, from thence south one degree, east 3() chains to a stake 
with stones around it, from thence south 73 degrees east 71 
cliains and 50 links to Hudson's River to a white pine bush 
marked on four sides with a heap of stones round it, from 
thence along the river to the place where it begins. 256 acres, 
bounded North, West and South by other lands of Richard 
AVoolsey, East by Hudson's River. 

In 1770, Richard Woolsey conveyed to Thomas 
Knowlton 211 acres of this tract. It is described as 
being in the precinct of Newburgh, the northern part 
of the Highland precinct having by this time been 
formed into a separate district called Newburgh Pre- 
cinct. This tract is described as being on the north of 
Harcourt 's land and extending along the river and as 
far back as Harcourt 's line. In 1760, Richard Wool- 
sey conveyed another part of this tract to his son, 
Benjamin; afterward a part to his son, John; and 
John conveyed 203 acres to his son, Henry. 

Richard AVoolsey sold 155 acres, on the south side 
of what he sold to Harcourt, to Edward Hallock, and 



Patents and Land Grants, 41 

Edward Hallock sold to Jolm Youngs, June, 1776. In 
the ancient deed it is described as follows : 

All that certain parcel of land situate on the west side of 
Hudson's river, bounded as follows: Beginning at Richard 
Harcourt's southeast corner of his farm at Hudson's river, 
thence running along his line north 73° West 75 ch. & 50 links 
to a. stake and stones and in Benj. Woolsey's corner, thence 
running along his line 8 1° and 50" E iO ch. & 95 links to 
another heap of stones and in John Woolsey's corner, thence 
along his line * * * to a chestnut oak tree, marked on 
three sides with three notches and a blaze, standing on the bank 
of Hudson's river, thence northerly along the said river to the 
place of beginning; containing 155 acres. 

It appears from the amonnt sold out of this patent 
that there were over 1,000 acres including barren 
lands. 

James Graham of the city of New York, the eldest 
son and heir-at-law of Augustine Graham, deceased, 
conveyed to Zachariah Hoffman all that one-half part 
of the Griggs & Graham Patent of 1,200 acres. Prior 
to this time Alexander Griggs conveyed his one-half 
part to Jurey Quick and Jurey Quick in 1727 leased 
his part of the tract to Zachariah Hotfman, and in the 
lease it is spoken of as follows: 

Beginning at a certain ])oint of land I)etween the two ))ranches 
of the stream, in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings to him 
in hand paid by the said Zacliariah Hoffman: 

All that certain one-half or equal moiety, l)eing part of the 
lands granted to C'apt. John Evans and now resumed. * * * 
Beginning at the north side of the south branch of the Old 
Man's Kill 102 chains along the river west into the woods 115 
chains, south 120 chains, east 148 chains to place of beginning, 
containing 1200 acres l)e the same more or less. 

Leased for the term of one whole year from then next ensu- 
ing, yielding and paying therefor to the said Jury Quick the 
rent one pepper corn only at the feast of the annunciation of 
the blessed Virgin, Mary, it the same shall lawfully be de- 
manded. 



42 History of Maelboeough. 

It appeared to have been the custom at that time to 
leas-e the lands before executing a mortgage or deed 
upon them, and the next day after this lease Quick 
executed a mortgage to Hotfman in consideration of 
70 pounds upon these same lands, and in 1741 Quick 
and his son, Thomas Quick, sold these lands to Hoff- 
man for 80 pounds, so it will be observed that Hoff- 
man became the owner of the 1,200 acres without pay- 
ing much money. Hoffman afterward died and his 
two daughters, Geartry DuBois, and Ida Hoffman, 
liecame the owners of the entire patent, and Geartry 
DuBois conveyed her part to Lewis DuBois by deed 
as follows: 

To all People to whom these Presents come or may in any- 
wise concern. 

• Geartry Dubois, widow of Xathaniel Dubois, Late of tlie 
County of Orange and Province of Xew York, Deceased sendeth 
greeting. Know ye that whereas Jachariah Hoffman, Late of 
Schawangunk in Ulster County and province aforesaid, De- 
ceased; By his last Will aird Testament in writing Bearing 
Date the twenty-fifth Day of February in the year 1743 & 4 
among other things therein contained Did Give, Devise and 
Bequeath all that Certain Tract of Land Containing Twelve 
hundred acres fonnerly Granted By Patent to Augustine Gra- 
ham & Alexander Griggs Situate lying and being upon Hudson 
Piver, County of Ulster, province of New York, and then 
in the Tenure of Jury Quick with tlie Heriditants and Appur- 
tenances thereunto l)elonging unto his two Daughters, Namely 
the said Geartry Dubois and his Daughter Ida and to their 
heirs and assigns forever to be equally Divided Between them 
as by the said Will and Testament being had may more fully 
and at Large appear. 

And whereof the said Geartry Dubois being Possessed of the 
full equal half Part of the said Tract of Land above Mentioned 
in her own Eight at the time of her marriage with the said 
Nathaniel Dubois for and in consideration of the Love and 
Affection which she hath and doth bear towards Lewis Dubois, 
her son-in-law and for Divers other Good Causes and Valuable 
Considerations her thereunto moving Hath Eemised, Eeleased 
and forever Quit-claimed * * * unto said Lewis Dubois 
* * * All the Estate, Ei<;ht, Title * * * in and to all 



Patents and Land Grants. 4,3 

that tlio E((ual half Part of the said twelve hundred acres 
Tract aljove mentioned * * * -^yhich said half Part of 
said Tract the said Lewis Duhois is now in the Possession 
thereof. 

Dated June 11. 17(i;3. 

Acknowledged Octol)er 21. 1TG4. 

Before Charles Clinton, Esq. one of the Judges of the Court 
of Common Pleas. 

Ida, the daugliter of Hoffman, married Cornelius 
Bruyn, and in 1746 she conveyed her undivided one- 
half part of the patent to Nathaniel BuBois and this 
descended to his son, Lewis DuBois, so that he was the 
owner of and in possession of the lands in question 
some time before he received the deed from his step- 
mother or mother-in-law as above stated. When he 
received her deed he was the owner of all of it. I find 
no mention of Quick afterward. Quick had been in the 
possession of these lands for a long while ; he was as- 
sessed for the same and paid taxes on them under 
the assessment roll of 1724, 1725 and 1726 and other 
years. There has always been a tradition in the town, 
and the Quick family have always claimed and con- 
tended, that Jurey Quick, their ancestor, owned all 
this tract of land, or the undivided one-half interest 
in it, and that he was turned out of it with very little 
consideration. 

Lewis DuBois was in possession of these lands at 
the time he got his deed in 1763 from his stepmother, 
and the presumption is that he had been there several 
years and was living' there under title from his 
father; for at the time he was interested in various 
projects and had agreed to give to the Marlborough 
Society two acres of land. The subscription list for 
the church states, " Providing that Lewis DuBois 
does give two acres of land. " 

On April 8th of the next year, he did execute a deed 
for the land to John Woolsey and Stephen Case, first 
trustees. He was the largest subscriber, giving fifteen 



44 History of Marlborough. 

pounds on the first and eight ])oiinds on the last sub- 
scription, so he must have been a man of means, and 
doing business at this time. 

Pie had previously, but the year caimot be ascer- 
tained, erected a large house, substantially the same 
as the house now stands, which is owned by John 
Rusk. It was all forest at the time and the trees were 
cut down and hewn into timber right where the house 
stands. It was one of the first frame houses in the 
country, and from its size and general appearance, 
and so unusual for those times, that it made cpiite a 
sensation and p-eople came long distances to see it. 
Jurey or Jurian Quick as he was sometimes called, ap- 
joears to have been in possession of these lands for 
many years. He was evidently placed in possession 
by Graham & Griggs, tire original patentees, as it was 
necessary in order to hold the patent that there should 
be some actual settler upon it, and a certain num])er of 
acres should be cleared every year. He also paid the 
taxes, and continued in possession after Zachariah 
Hoffman became the owner, and after his death, and 
while his daughters were the owners. 

Judging from the deed, Lewis DuBois' first wife 
was his own cousin. He, DuBois was born in 1728 
and died in 1802. Among other children he left one, 
Lewis DuBois who died in 1854. He was the father of 
twelve children, among others Nathaniel H., who 
was born at Marlborough in 1815, and died in the 
past year. He was the grandson of tlie old Colonel. 
He spent his whole life at Marll)orough, and was a 
man of good business qualities, and always identi- 
fied with the interests of the town. His mind and 
memory were always strong, and they were as clear 
as ever up to the time of his death. Every one in the 
southern portion of Ulster county was well acquainted 
with Nathaniel DuBois. He was generous, kind and 



Patents and Land Grants. 45 



respected by all. One of his last acts was to place a 
clock in the tower of the Presbyterian church. 

It would appear from the will of Lewis DuBois that 
this tract of land, the Graham & Griggs patent, said to 
be 1,200 acres (lands were cheap in those times and 
they gave good measure) actually contained 1,486 
acres by a survey made by DuBois in 178G. He says 
in his will : 

Also I give, devise and bequeath unto ray son Lewis all that 
part of the tract of land whereon I now dwell, granted l)y 
letters patent bearing date the fifth day of June Anno Domini 
1713 unto Augustine Graham and Alexander Griggs which 
part of the said tract hereby devised to my son, Lewis : Begins 
at a walnut tree fomierly marked with three notches on four 
sides, for the northwest corner of said tract where two stone 
fences meet, thence along the westerly bounds thereof as the 
magnetic needle pointed in the year 1T86 * * * to a cer- 
tain point of land at the north side of the south l)ranch of 
the Old Mans Kill, being tlie place of beginning mentioned 
in the said letters patent * * * containing eight hundred 
and twenty-four acres be the same within the liounds more or 
less * * * Also I give and berpieath unto my son, Wilhel- 
mus, all the southerly part of the said tract being bounded as 
follows: to wit: Beginning at the south side of the Old Man's 
Kill aforesaid, at a certain point of land between the said 
branches, being the place of beginning mentioned in the afore- 
said letters patent and runs from thence along the south 
bounds of the said tract as the needle pointed Anno Domini 
178G. * * * Containing six hundred and sixty-two acres 
be the same Avithin the l)0unds aforesaid more or less. 

I find a field book and map of partition made of a 
tract of land situate in the Town of Marlborough, 
County of Ulster, the property of the children of 
Wilhelmus DuBois, deceased, in May 1810: 612 acres 
including a lot containing ly- acres, known* as the 
Meeting-house lot, and is designated on the map 
as Lot A, and also another lot containing IY2 acres 
distinguished on said map as the Reservation lot, 



46 History of Marlborough. 

to L. DiiBois, which said lots are excepted and 
reserved out of said lands intended to be divided. 
The commissioners were Isaac LeFevre, Nehemiah 
L. Smith and John Wood, the last two of this town 
and were sworn before William Soper, one of the 
judges of the Court of Common Pleas. The commis- 
sioners divided the lands in two allotments, the west- 
ern and eastern allotments; the western into 4 lots. 

1st lot, Jolm W. Wvgant 14-5 acres 

2nd " John Dulwis 143 9/10 " 

3rd " Cornelius Dul)nis 143 4/10 " 

4th " Nathaniel Dul)ois 148 4/10 " 

The eastern allotment were village and town lots 
and water lots. 

1st, alloted to Xatlianiel Dubois, water lot Xo. 1, 3 9/10 
acres. 

And village lots 1, 2 and 3, each containing one acre and 
extending along Main street as said village or town lots were 
laid out in 1704. 

2nd, alloted to John I)ul)ois, water lot Xo. 2 containing 
3 7/10 acres. 

And village lots 6, 7 and 8 extending along JMain street, 
each lot containing one acre as the same were Initted and 
bounded in the year 1764 Avhen the same were laid out. 

3rd, alloted to Cornelius Dul)ois, water lot Xo. 3 containing 

3 7/10 acres. 

And Lot B of village and town lots on IMain street contain- 
ing one acre, also lots 4 and 5 of said village along Main street, 
each one acre, as same were laid out in 17G4. 

4th allotted to John AV. AVygant, water lot Xo. 4 containing 

4 3/10 acres. 

Also C and D of village lots, C lot containing 1 2/10 acres 
along Main street. D Lot containing one acre aloug Main 
street. 

9 

I see that by this map and survey there was a stone 
marked '' M.B.Y. 1764", set in the ground in the 
south-west corner of the Meeting-house lot. It ap- 
pears from these proceedings that in 1764, a village 



Patents and Land Grants. 47 

was laid out and lots survej^ed and described and 
numbered and a map made, but I am unable to find it. 
This map of 1810 gives only the lots that were set off 
in the distribution at that time, but refers to the map 
and survey of 1764. 

I had never heard of it before, and do not think any- 
one of this generation ever knew that our ancestors 
were so ambitious, that they should at the early date 
of 1764 lay out and prepare for a future village ; it 
would seem that they chose the most available place 
for a town, and had an idea that a town would there ])e 
built; they were liberal in the size of the lots, an acre 
or more to the lot, but settlers did not arrive as soon 
as they expected; there were soon rumors of war, and 
in 1775, war was declared with the mother country, 
and for the next eight or ten years, the desolating 
hardships of war impoverished all the people and 
improvements were at a standstill. For many years 
after the war, the increase in population was slow, 
and the adjoining towns of Newburgh and Pougli- 
keepsie by their energy and inducements obtained the 
larger share of the settlers coming from abroad. 

Archibald Kennedy conveyed his tract of 1,200 
acres to Lewis Gomez; and Mordecai, Daniel and 
David Gomez as executors of their father, Lewis 
Gomez, in 1748, conveyed the same to William Camp- 
bell and Arcliil)ald Duffie, and on March 28, 1750 Camp- 
bell and Duffie of Ulster county conveyed the same 
to Francis Purdy and Georg^e Merritt. 

On the 14th day of August, 1754, Francis Purdy 
conveyed 606 acres in two lots — 484.5 acres west of 
the road and 121.5 acres east of the road, along the 
north side and adjoining the Griggs and Graham 
patent ; the balance was conveyed by Merritt to 
Purdy. The partition and division of these lands had 
been submitted to Alexander Colden and Samuel 



48 History of Marlborough. 

Decker, On the 18th day of March, 1751, they made 
their award in wiiting, dividing the property as above. 
Colden also surveyed the lands and made a map of 
the same which is attached to the deed ; and Cadwal- 
lader Colden as one of His Majesty's Council took the 
proof or acknowledgment of the deed. It was sealed 
and delivered in the presence of Alexander Colden 
and Henry Cropsey. This deed is in the possession of 
John C. Merritt, the great-great-grandson of George 
Merritt and is a great curiosity in its way, but owing 
to its great length it cannot be given here, only re- 
ferred to as follows: 

"And Whereas by the Award made in Writting- Indented 
under the hands and Seals of the said Alexander Colden and 
8anuiel Denton bearing Date the Eighteenth Day of March 
last past the said George Merrit is to Have and Hold Seventy 
two Acres more than his one full and Eqnall half part of the 
aforesaid Tract or Parcell of Land as by the said in part re- 
cited Award relation being therennto had may more fully and 
at Large appear. Now This Indenture Witnessetii That 
for a Partition and Devission of the said herein before men- 
tioned and Described Tract or Parcell of Land It is Covenanted 
Granted Concluded and Agreed upon by and between the said 
Francis Purdy and George Merrit That the Creek or run of 
Water commonly called and known by the Name of the Saw 
Mill Creek from where the Highway Crosses said Creek shall 
be the Partition or Devission of that part of the herein before 
Described Tract or parcell of Land lying between said High- 
way and Hudson's Eiver. The benefit of the Stream from said 
Highway to said Eiver to be and remain in Common And that 
a line of marked trees running West from a Stone Set upon 
the West side of said Highway at the Distance of two Gliains 
and two rods measured on a Streight line Northerly from a 
bridge laid over said Saw Mill Creek Shall be the Devission 
and Partition of That part of the above mentioned Tract or 
parcell of Land lying on the West Side of said Highway wdiicli 
said Creek from Hudson's River to said Highway, the Highway 
from the said Creek to said Stone, and the line of marked trees 
from said Stone as Deliniated in the Draft or Map hereunto 
Annexed is and shall remain the Partition and Devission of 
the above mentioned Tract of Land l)etween them the said 



Patents and Land Geants. 49 

Francis Purcl}' and George Merrit their Heirs and Assigns 
forever " * * *_ 

And in the conveyance l)y Merrit to Purdy of tlie sonth part 
of the tract or the land sonth of the dividing line reservation 
is made as follows: "(excepting and reserving to the said 
George Merrit his lieirs and Assigns forever the priviledge of 
a good and Snfficietit Cart road from the Highway aforesaid 
to the Landing at the Limekiln Also the free nse of said Land- 
ing and of the Lime Kiln and whatever Stone he and they may 
want for hnrning of Lime witli lilierty to Dig np and Cart the 
same to the Kiln)."' * * * 

And it was further pi'ovided: 

"That either of the said Parties or the Heirs and Assigns 
of either of them may at any time Erect a Mill or Mills on any 
part of said Creek between said Highway and Hudson's River 
on that Side of the said Creek next adjoining to his or their 
own Lot And may Also Dam across said Creek and Join the 
Dam or Dams to the Land of the other of said Parties and take 
to him or themselves sole benefit and Profit of such Mill or 
Mills without any Let hindrance trouble Denial or Interrup- 
tion of the other of said Parties his heirs or Assigns." * * * 

From this transfer, it will be seen, that there was 
a landing and limekilns at the river at that time; the 
landing was most likely built by Lewis Gomez or his 
sons, and if so it was very old, if not the oldest in the 
town. The lime burnt at the kiln supplied all that 
part of the country at the time. 

From this Lewis Gomez' Jew's creek derives its 
name; and the lands which Gomez owned then were 
sometimes assessed to "Mr. Gomez," and at other 
times to " Gomez the Jew." This creek ran through 
Gomez' land. These limekilns and the landing were 
on what is now known as the Kerr place. 

The first -sales in the Lewis Morris' patent were to 
Henry Lane; he sold in 1753 to Joseph Carpenter, 
Benjamin Stanton, John Caverly and Jolin Latting a 
tract of land of several hundred acres, (600 or 800). 
Euphina Morris sold to Joseph Carpenter in 1753, 677 



50 History of Marlborough. 

acres ; Samuel Kniffin sold to Joseph Carpenter 390 
acres; in 1776 Latting Carpenter sold a farm to Moses 
Qnimby. This was all in the Lattintown valley. 

George Harrison sold the first tract of his patent, 
the 705 acres, to Cadwallader Colden; Colden then 
sold a part to William Wickham, William B. Woolsey 
and others. Wickham sold to Thomas Woolsey and 
William B. Woolsey; W^illiam B. Woolsey sold to 
Caverly, Hait and others. Anyone can easily trace 
the title to his farm liack to the original tract from 
which it came; and should he have any curiosity in 
this direction, he can easily trace the boundaries of 
the original patents or land grants. 

Most of the patents appear to have been sul)divided 
into farms between 1740 and 1780, and the patentees 
were succeeded by actual settlers, those energetic 
pioneers of this region — the Carpenters, Woolseys, 
DuBoises, Harcourts, Smiths, Hallocks, Purdys, Cav- 
erlys, Dajions, Merritts, Wygants, Fowlers, Younges, 
Quimbys, Mackeys, Woods, Lewises, Martins, Quicks, 
Lesters, Sands, Kniffins, and others, whose descend- 
ants in many cases still own and occupy much of 
the same lands. The lands were v-ery rough and hard 
to clear but few districts promised more certain re- 
turns for labor. The land was rich in vegetable mould 
and produced large crops. It was heavily timbered, 
especially suited to ship building, and New York city 
furnished a convenient market for all kinds of wood 
for building and for fuel. Coal was not used then. 
Numerous sloops and sailing vessels of all kinds af- 
forded easy and cheap transportation. 



CHAPTER III. 

Indians. 

There is no doubt that this town was inhabited by 
Indians of different tribes long- prior to and at the 
time of the first white settlements, though we cannot 
trace any forts or council chambers as having* been 
located here. The nearest was just over the line at 
what has always been called the Dans Kammer. This 
was a noted place for the Indians to meet, hold coun- 
cils, and have war dances on all important occasions, 
and was very ancient. 

When Hendrick Hudson first sailed up the river, 
Indians came aboard his ship here and traded skins 
for knives and trifles. 

Dans Kammer is next referred to in David Pieter- 
zen de Vires' Journal. He sailed up the river in 1640; 
arrived off the Dans Kammer about sunset on the 26th 
of April and cast anchor. During the evening, he 
states, a party of riotous savages assembled there 
''who threatened trouble," and that "the sloop's 
company -stood well on their giiard." On his return 
(May 15), he tells us that he saw many Indians " fish- 
ing from the rocks at the Dans Kammer." And in 
the Second Esopus War, Lieut. Couwenhoven and 
some friendly chiefs went to the Dans Kammer, which 
then appeared to be the headquarters of the Esopus 
tribe, to secure the release of prisoners taken by the 
Indians. 

Couwenhoven remained with his sloop off the Dans 
Kammer for several days ; and on the 17tli of August, 
1663, he sent a message to Kregier informing him 
that the Indians had collected about four hundred men, 
and were pi-^paring to renew their attack on Esopus ; 
that they also daily threatened him "in an insuffer- 

[51] 



52 History of Marlborough. 

al)le manner;" that lie hourly expected the arrival of 
the Sachems who had already been gone " four days 
about the captive Christians, and should know the 
issue of his mission;" that "the Indians who lay 
there about on the river side made a great uproar 
every night, firing guns, etc." 

Be Lacet, a navigator, who sailed u}) the river in 
1(324, and gave a detailed description of the country,, 
makes no mention of this place, l)ut it isn't likely that 
the Indians congregated here all the time — as I under- 
stand it, it was only at certain periods, and because 
De Lacet did not mention this place, it is no reason 
that the Indians did not have their ceremonies here 
at the time. It is (piite likely that the Indians had 
used this spot a long time, perhaps hundreds of years 
l>efore that, and they congregated here up to the time 
that they sokl their lands, from the Paltz' Patent to 
Murderer's Creek, to Governor Dongan in 1684, which 
included these lands. 

They never had any permanent residence here; no 
village or fortified place. It is not known that they 
l)hinted the hinds. This was a great place to fish, and 
the Indians came from long distances back in the coun- 
try on liotli sides of the river, and carried away many 
fish. They came here from time to time to have their 
ceremonies, remaining for several days and sometimes 
for weeks, ])iit made no permairent abode. The place 
was used by the Tappans, Harverstraws, Esopus, 
Wappingers and other tribes. They appear to have 
met here at their ceremonies in a friendly spirit. 
There is no tradition or record that they had wars or 
l)attles here — it was one spot where they could meet 
ill peace. No reason can be found for their gather- 
ings unless it was to fish or hold their rites and cere- 
monies. 

There has never lieen any Indian name for the 
place. The early Dutch navigators who sailed up the 



Indians. 53 

river over two centuries ago, gave it the name " De 
Duj^fel's Dans Kammer" (the Devil's Dance cham- 
ber), and it has ever since been known by the name of 
Dan's Kammer. This name is applied to the point of 
land at tlie northwest part of Newbnrgh hay. It was a 
level piece of land about a half-acre separated from 
the mainland by a marshy tract over which water 
flowed at times. This was called " The Little Dans 
Kammer." Across from this, and on a plateau, lands 
formerly owned l)y the Armstrongs, was a tract called 
the '' Large Dans Kammer," which occupied several 
acres. These are so called in the original deeds and 
are spoken of in patents and land grants. A paper 
describing the natives of New Netherland, written in 
1G71 says : 

" At these meetings conjurors act a wonderful part. These 
tiiml)le, with strange contortions, head over lieels ; heat them- 
selves, leap with a hideous noise through and around a hirge 
fire. Finally tliey all raise a tremendous caterwauling, when 
the devil a])])ears (they say) in the shape of a ravenous or 
harmless animal — the first betokens something bad, the second 
something good." 

The Indians held these meetings prior to starting 
on expeditions of hunting, fishing, or war, to ascertain 
whether they would be successful or not. They were 
certain religious rites, and were in the nature of an 
appeal to the God or Gods they pretended to worshi}). 

It may be that they held festivals and feasts here, 
and met as social gatherings, and held intercourse 
with other tribes, upon questions of war, peace or 
otherwise. The name is to be found in many docu- 
ments and papers of those times, and must have been 
considered a matter of some importance by both 
whites and Indians. There were Indian trails extend- 
ing a long way in various directions to this place. 
There was one trail through the Lattintown valley 
back to the Shawangunk creek and bevond; there was 



54 History of Marlborough. 

also a trail following up the Quassaick creek, and from 
the Delaware river by way of Murder 'h creek. They 
came there from up and down the river in their canoes^ 
and sometimes large numbers of canoes were seen 
there. The Indians had a fort called Willmet in what 
is now Eosendale or Marbletown; a fort at what is 
now Kingston, and one on the Mombackus, now Wall- 
kill; one at what is now Brunswick in Shawangimk, 
one at the Vernoy and Rondout Kill, Warwarsing and 
one at Bloomburgh. All these are spoken of in the 
history of the first and second Esopus Wars, when 
Wiltwyck, now Kingston, and New Dorp, now Hurley, 
w^ere sacked and burned by the Indians, and many 
people not only killed but many carried into captivity. 

There was also a fort at Quassaick near what is now 
Newburgh, and one near what is now Fishkill village. 
They all were originally called the Waranawankongs, 
but after the settlement here of the whites, they were 
known by the tribal names of the Esopus, Warwar- 
sings, Wappingers, Minnesinks, Quaissacks and other 
names. These Indians were apparentlv of the same 
clan, and to some extent, at first, assisted the Esopus 
Indians in their war on the settlers, and afterw^ard 
appear to have been instrumental in negotiating 
peace; especially was this the case with the Wappin- 
gers who obtained the release of many captives taken 
in the Esopus wars. Small clans or bands of these 
Indians lived and had villages here, though in times 
of war they generally repaired to the fortified places. 
They had their fields of corn, pumpkins, beans, etc., 
on what is now the Lattintown flats, and on the level 
lands about where the Rose Brick Co. own lands north 
of Milton. The hillocks which they cultivated every 
year were easily discernable by the first settlers. 

There was an old Indian burying ground about one 
mile north of the present Mary Powell landing, at the 



Indians. 55 

top of the hill alongside a small stream which runs 
into the river, where the Smith mills stood in olden 
times. This was left undisturbed. The first settlers 
about there commenced a graveyard on the west of 
and adjoining the Indian graves. This graveyard is 
known as the Smith graveyard. Indian relics such as 
Hint, arrows, and spear heads, stone axes and clubs 
or pestles for crushing their corn or for defence, are 
found about the town ; a gentleman at Milton has a 
fine collection of the same — most of them picked up 
on his farm. Many rocks show cavities where they 
cooked their food. 

There has always been a tradition that some of the 
early settlers intermarried with the Indians. A trail 
could once be followed from the back country where 
the Indians came to the river to fish, etc., but the 
bravery and spirit of the Indians had departed before 
people settled here. The wars which they had waged 
with the Avhites at Wiltwyck liad subdued, disheart- 
ened and decimated their numbers. Many had fled 
to the protection of the Five Nations and the remnant 
were always cpiiet and peaceable, became somewhat 
civilized and lived and died here. There is no knowl- 
edge or tradition that they ever committed any depre- 
dation or troubled any one, or that any took part 
with the English army against the Colonies. 

I find in the description of an ancient road that it 
passed '' along by the Indian orchard;" and in an- 
other description it reads " opposite the land of 
Captain John Woolsey, adjoining a little west of his 
blockhouse," which would infer that it was a security 
from the Indians. 

Several Indians remained here and became citi- 
zens, and two or three generations since several fami- 
lies could be named who had Indian blood in their 
veins. There were manv traditions about the Indians 



56 History of Marlborough. 

but I cannot authenticate them, so do not attempt to 
relate them. 

Sometime about 1845, Samuel A. Barrett wrote and 
published a beautiful poem about the Indians, which 
was founded on traditions and stories told to him 
when a child by his grandfather. It is a beautiful 
piece of literature, and is here produced as a fitting- 
conclusion to this article. 



■ MATXTOXOMATT. 
Pakt First. 

They waste us; ay. like April snow 
In the warm noon, we shrink away; 

And fast they follow, as we go. 
Towards the setting' day, 

Till they shall fill the land, and we 

Are driven into the western sea. — Bryant. 

I. 

Tlie forest leoends of our land. 

Tho' wild and sad, liave yet a charm : 
Traced by Tradition's faithful hand. 

They seem with Truth's own fervor warm 
For, blended with reality. 
They take the hue of history, 
And. handed down from age to age, 
Live long on memory's mystic page. 
Such legends I have listen'd to. 

In 1)oyhood's hour, with keen delight : 
And still, before my mental view. 

They rise as vividly and bright. 
As when I heard my grandsire tell 

The self-same stories, years ago : — 
God rest his aged ashes well. 

Now sleeping in the valley low ! 
When he was young, the forest men 

Were moving toward the setting sun; 
Like lions hunted to their den. 

Still loth to own the l)attle won. 



Indians. 57 

He was no warrior : — yet would dwell 

On fearful scenes with much delight, 
When he could hear the savage yell 

Burst through the silent gloom of night. 
He often spoke of Anne's war, 

And of the lovely Horican,* 
Where Quebec's hero,t from afar. 

Disgraced humanity and man ! 
He knew of many Sachems great, 

Who famous were in days of yore; 
He loved their stories to relate, 

And would rehearse them o'er and o'er. 
When night her sal)le curtain drew, 

And wintry winds swept thro' the vale, 
And snow-clouds o'er the mountains flew, 

He told to me this simple tale. 
But first he said, as he drew nigh 

The genial hearth-fire, blazing high — 
" Eemember, — many a weary day 

On Time's swift wing hath passed away, — 
Ay, half a century has gone. 

Since I, myself, the story heard ; 
Therefore do not expect, my son, 

That I can give thee word for word." 

11. 

'Twas pensive twilight; and the sun had set 

Behind the woody hillocks of the west; 
Xo ^ound was heard, save where a rivulet 

Bushed thro' a grotto to the Hudson's breast. 
The husbandmen had to their homes retired; 

The beasts were skunbering on the verdant mead; 
One only torch a caliin window fir'd, — 

And through the gloom a feeble lustre shed. 
The moon arose, and with her borrow'd light 

Threw silvery brightness o'er a silent world; 
The stars appeared, to gild the brow of Night, 

And transient meteors thro' the air were hurl'd. 
Then came a man from out the forest shade, 

And knelt beside a grass-grown sepulchre; 
His solemn manner, and his voice, betrayed 

At once his ol)ject and his character. 

*Horican — Lake George — the Indian name. 

t Quebec's hero, Louis De St. Veran. or tlie Marquis of Montcalm. 
Alluding to the massacre at Fort Henry, 17.57. 



58 History of Marlborough. 

III. 

" Ghost of my father ! " cried the chief, 
"I come, to ha the thy tomh with grief; 
From great Manitto's peaceful throne, 
Look down and hless thy only son. 
Full sixty summers have passed hy, 
Since white-men heard thy l)attle-cry, 

And quailed heneath thy hlow; 
Thou wast the foremost in the iight. 
To wing the arrow in its flight, 

And strike the hated foe ! " 
I heard: — and curiosity 

O'ercame unmanly fear. 
And, stepping lightly o'er the lea, 

I, unperceived, drew near. 
His form was hending to the ground, 

His eyes were streaming fast. 
He muttered an unearthly sound, 

Such as might seem his last. 
An Indian's ear is never dumh, 

Except it he in death ! 
An Indian's how is ne'er unstrung. 

With arrows in his sheath. 
I trode as lightly o'er the grass, 

And as elastic, too. 
As in the gloomy wilderness, 

The prowling panthers do; 
But, as I drew still nearer hy, 

He suddenly arose, 
And cast on me a piercing eye, 

Still moisten'd with his woes. 
I stretched my hand high in the air — 

He caught the [leaceful sign. 
And straight returned it. standing there 

Beneath the fair moonshine. 

IV. 

" Son of a Pale-face ! fear me not — 

I come in peace " — he said, 
" To see the hill, the stream, the grot. 
The hallow'd mound and holy spot, 
Where ^laintonomah's laid. 



Indians. 59 



My head is white with many years, 
Mine eyes are dimm'd by many tears, 

My sinews nerveless grow; 
My tomahawk is buried deep, 
Beyond the mountains high and steep, 

Where Erie's waters flow; 
And I liave hither come to shed 
My hist tears on my father's head.'' 

V. 

*'A weary distance thou hast come, 
Poor Heathen ! from thy forest home. 

To visit this lone mound," 
I said — and touched it with- my foot: — 
Swift as a bolt from heaven shot. 
And with a voice of thunder sound, 
He threw his hand against my breast ! 
And sternly said — "Pale-face! desist — 

This is my father's grave ! 
By every tie that drew me here. 
By all things that I hold most dear, 
And by ^lanitto's self, I swear 

iS"o insult shall it have, 
AVhile 1 have nerve to face a foe. 
Or strength to draw a steady bow! 
Like all of thy accursed race. 

Thou hast no reverence for the dead. 
But wouldst profane their resting-place 

With reckless word and careless tread ! 
Xot so the rod-men — every mound 
That hides their dead, is holy ground ; 
And sacred as the memory 
Of those who 'neath them lowly lie ! 
Didst call me poor? Yes, I am poor, 

Since cursed white-men fill the land. 
Where lived the native chiefs of yore. 

And warriors rose at their command ! 
The very soil on which you tread 
Has been the nurse of Indian bread : 
These rugged hills around you high. 
Have echoed to our battle-cry; 
Or rung with mirth, their leafy bowers, 
When happiness and peace were ours. 



60 History of Marlboeough. 

That river, glittering- like dew. 

Beneath the nioonheanis mild, 
Full often hore the light canoe. 

When Teton was a child ! 
And dost thou think I can forget 

The scene of all my joy, 
When fortune smiled, and I was yet 

A happy Indian boy? 
Or dost thou think this hallow\l spot. 
My father's grave, is Avorship'd not? 
Or e'er can be by me forgot? 
Xo ! the Great Spirit bade me come 

And weep upon this mound. 
Ere I can see the red-man's home, 

The Happy Hunting-ground ! " 

VI. 

"Although the homage paid by thee, 

As nothing to the dead must be; 

Yet it may soothe thy spirit some. 

To visit thus thy father's toml) ; 

And, as a part of thy wild faith. 

May smooth the rugged path to death ; 

For, when this pilgrimage is made, 

Thy last debt to thy sire is paid. 

Few Christians such examples pro ' 

Of piety and filial love ; 

Tho' boasting as serener heart 

Than thou — rude Heathen, as i.iOu art ! " 

VII. 

He heeded not what I was saying, — 

Adown the track of memory 
His spirit pensively was straying; 

And he continued, randomly — 
" The white-men i^hought the red-men fools,* 

And took them o'er the waves ; 
But great Manitto gave them souls, 

And they can ne'er be slaves ! 
List, Pale-face ! — he who lies below 
The summer's heat and winter's snow, 

"Alhuling to the circumstance of Indians being kidnapped, taken 
to the West Indies and sold as skives; but who preferred death, rather 
tlian captivity and hibor. 



Indians. 61 



Beneath this cold and silent clod. 
Once in the front of hattle trod, 

Chief of a thousand men ! 
Wise at the council-fire — tho' young, 
And mild in peace — in hattle, strong 
As cougar in his den ! 
The youthful maidens loved him well; 
The wizard prophets hurst the spell. 

To pay him homage due : 
The young men of his trihe would try 
To emulate his hravery. 

In deeds of daring, too. 
Yes : such was Maintonomah, when 
The Yengese* and the Dutchment 

Were swarming to this soil. 
Where first the rising sun we view. 
Beyond those mountains far and hlue, 
There doth a limpid river flow, 
Near which they laid the forests low, 

And did, like l:)eavers, toil. 

VIII. 

A powerful trihe dwelt in that land ; 
A mighty chieftain held command 
Of warriors, numerous as the sand 
Upon the Salt Lakes' endless strand. 

He saw his hunting-grounds destroy'd; 
He felt his native rights annoy'd ; 
He knew that his young men were slain 

By those intruders from afar; 
He knew his squaws were captives ta'en, 

And he resolved on war ! " 

IX. 

Here Teton paused, and looked around 
Upon the woods and on the ground : 
Gazed long and silent at the moon, 
Which full upon his visage shone. 
'Twas then I mark'd, with some surprise, 
The calm expression of his eves, 
Which had so late flashed livid fire. 
Like angry serpent's, in his ire ! 

* Englishmen. 
t Ihitehmen. 



62 History of Marlborough. 

His head was bare, his snowy liair 

Hung in a scalp-lockt from its crown; 
And, standing- in the moonlight there, 
His dignified and solemn air 
In all its native grandeur shone ! 
His bow was o'er his shoulder thrown, 

His wampum was around him tied, 
A blanket hid his swarthy zone. 

And a long knife hung at his side. 
Still as the rocks around, he stood, 

Dee])-nnising on untold events ; 
When, sudden as the foaming flood 

Pours o'er its broken battlements ! 
He turn'd to me, and said — - " Pale-face ! 
You grasp at more than you can hold : 
You own the land, I have been told. 

Beyond the Great Salt Lake : 
But the Great-Spirit of your tribe 
Made your hearts big, and they imliibe 

The venom of a snake ! 

X. 

" Hast thou e'er seen the sun arise? 
Didst trace his course along the skies. 

And seen him set at even? 
Know, all the land he travel'd o'er 
Between the east and western shore, 
From where Atlantic's thunders roar. 
To where Pacific's billows pour, 
Was to the red-men given. 
Our hunting-grounds were fill'd with game, 

Our lakes with fishes, too, 
Until the curs'd strangers came 

Here, in the Big-canoe. 
Then were the lofty forests fell'd ! 
Then were the timid deer compell'd 
To seek a shelter, where ne'er dwell'd 

A single deer before ; 
Where nothing, save the wolf's long howl. 
The serpent's hiss and cougar's growl, 

Was heard in days of yore ! 

± The Indian warrior shaves liis head, except tlie crown, from which 
depends the scalp-lock. 



Indians. 63 

XI. 

" Manitto made the world, 'tis said ; 
Gave his red chiklren corn for bread, 
Tokl them to hunt the woods for deer, 
The hikes for tish — and phiced them here. 
Why sliouhl I tell of what befell 

My father and his men? 
Why on the sul)ject longer dwell. 

Or speak his name again? 
For why ? — because I deem it right 
To throw a sunset-gleam of light 

Upon our history: 
I am the last of all my race: 
There lives no being who can trace 

A kindred drop in me ! 
And hence the story of my grief. 
Of Maintonomah — mighty chief, 

Depends alone on me : 
And for mv spirit's own relief, 

Pale-face! I tell it thee." 

Part Second. 
I. 
'Twas summer eve; the paly moon 
Upon the placid river shone. 
And silence reign'd, save where the rill 
Was murmuring adown the hill, 
Or where the wakeful whij)-poor-will 
Pour'd its loud note, so wildly shrill. 
Xo boys were soon upon the lawn. 

Nor warriors smoking on the green; 
All to their wigwams had withdrawn. 

And stillness l)rooded o'er the scene. 
I laid me down, l)ut could not sleej^ ; 

I felt a strange, foreboding dread ; 
My father lay in slumber deep — 

I had no mother — she was dead. 
How solemn was that midnight hour, 
When restless fancy's magic power 

Was busy in my mind ! 
I started at each trifling sound, 
I gazed along the moon-lit ground. 

And listen'd to the wind. 
As thus T lay. T something h(nird. 
At which my life-blood (piicker stirr'd. 



64 History of Marlborough. 

II. 

Was it the sighing of the In-eeze 

Among the tall, green, forest trees? 
Was it the panther's plaintive or}', 
Eeverberating awfulty ? 
Was it the gaunt wolf's moiimfnl howl? 
Or idle screeching of the owl? 
Was it the barking of the fox. 
Far from his cavern'd den of rocks? 
Xo : — it was not. A human voice, 
Alone, alarmed me with its noise! 

III. 

Upon a little ])oint of land. 

Projecting from the narrow strand. 

Three human forms I now espied. 

And all their movements closely eyed. 

One stood apai't — the other two 

Drew on the shore a light canoe. 

That done, they cross'd yon purling rill, 

Walked slowly uj) the stee]iy hill. 

And sought our caau]) — wliere all was still. 

IV. 

I press'd my father's hand ; he rose — 
"Does Teton scent approaching foes?" 
" My father's ears are very good, 
Can they hear nothing in the wood?" 
" Hugh ! " he exclaim'd, and gave a sign, 
And many a warrior in his line 

Eose, at the well-known sound: 
They gathered near our wigwam low, 
Each with his tomahawk and l)Ow, 

And circled him around. 

V. 

The strangers halted on the plain. 
Threw up their hands — approach'd again, 

With forms erect, and slow; 
INIy father stepp'd before his men, 
Eeturn'd the sign of peace — and then 

Each party bended low. 



iNDIA^fb. 65 



The one who seem'd to he their chief 
Came forward, and in language hrief, 

Explained their visit thus — 
" We come as friends, with naked hands, 
Into our happy neighbor's lands; 

Expect no harm from us: 
We wish to taste your bread and meat, 
To talk around your council-seat, 

And hear what may be good : 
For this we left our squaws alone, 
Pursued our. course thro' ways unknown. 

O'er mountains wild and rude." 
" Then are you welcome — and may eat 
With us our succotash and meat. 

As brothers, and as friends: 
The good Manitto to us gave 
Enough, and it is all we crave, 

For ill too much attends." 

VI. 

The crowd dispersed ; the council-fire 
Was lighted, and its flaming spire 

Shot upward to the sky: 
How beautiful ! — its ruddy glare 
Waved purple on the midnight air, 

And soar'd triumphantly ! 
Oh ! nothing could excel the sight : — 
I gazed upon it with delight. 

It swell'd my bosom high : 
My every fear had vanish'd then; 
I join'd a lounging group of men, 

And talk'd exultingly. 

TIL 

My father held much talk the while. 
At distance from the blazing pile. 

Beneath the forest shade, 
With the strange chief — who seem'd to be 
Entreating him most earnestly. 

From gestures that he made. 
3 



66 HisTOEY OF Marlborough. 



At length they ended the debate, 

Came forward, where the warriors sate 

Upon the green-clad ground : 

I mark'd their forms, their l)earing, too, 

And to a just, impartial view, 

I thought that very, very few 

Such beings could be found ! 
Magnolias grow both smooth and straight. 

And angry cougars, have bright eyes ; 
Magnolias grow to a great height. 

And wave their branches in the- skies. 
But scarce less tall, those chieftains seem'd 

Than those fair sachems * of the wood ; 
And not less bright their dark eyes gleam'd 

Than cougars in a wrathful mood ! 

YIII. 

My father motioned with his hand : — 
Each gallant warrior of his band 
Eose, at the dumb show of command, 

And follow'd to the fire. 
A pile of bushes form'd his seat, 
Distilling odors mild and sweet, 

Which mingled with the air: 
The stranger chief sat by his side, 
And much of dignity and pride 

Shone in his haughty stare ! 
The men were in a circle drawn. 
And seated on the open lawn ; 
Their pipes were lighted, and the smoke 
Into fantastic edies broke, 
^^^lich form'd an artificial cloud, 
And wrajipM them in a mazy shroud. 

IX. 

The fumes of smoke had pass'd away. 

The moon moved down the western sky; 

Anon, her In-ight, unclouded ray 
Broke thro' the tree-tops silently. 

* The magnolia may well be called the "Sachem" of the wood; its 
trunk is not unfrequently a hundred feet high, and perfectly straight. 



Indians. 67 

Hark ! did I liear my father speak 

In a forbidding tone? 
Or does it thro' the greenwood break, 

The west wind's hollow moan? 
Or, hark again ! ay, now I hear 

Great Maintonomah's voice ! 
'Tis very loud — it strikes mine ear 

Like Niagara's noise ! 
" Teton," it says, " tell not a word 

Of what I spoke that fatal night; 
The faithless Pale-face will record 

Each sentence uttered, with delight. 
Enough it is for him to learn 

What mighty Metamora said. 
When bright our council-fire did burn, 

And waved in air its lurid head." 

X. 

Thus spake the voice ; didst thou not hear ? 
Xay, thou could'st not! 'twas for my ear, 

And for my ear alone; 
Though it had made the mountains quake, 
The earth unto its centre shake. 

Still it were all my own ; 
Therefore, be silent, question not 

Whatever I may say; 
His warning cannot be forgot. 

And him I must obey. 

XL 

What Maintonomah told his men 

Will never more be heard again ! 

And soon will dark oblivion 

Close o'er the relics of his son ! 

But what the Wampanoag said 

Must be rehearsed ere I am dead ; 

But only to elucidate 

The incidents I shall relate. 

King Philip rose, (the white men gave 

Such name to Metamora brave). 

Looked o'er the mute, attentive crowd. 

And spoke in accents deeply loud — ■ 



68 History of Marlboeough. 



"Brothers ye are both brave and just; 

To some Manitto gave a trust : 

The land between two rivers wide. 

He gave the ehiklren of his pride ; 

Tokl tliem to guard, with jeahjus care, 

From Hudson to the Delaware. 

Tradition tells how long they've held 

The soil on which their fathers dwelled ; 

They've kept their trust — they've kept their faith 

They hate their foes, and fear not death ! 

Do any know this tribe so trne? 

My brothers — Mohawks! it is you! 

But the Great Spirit's face is hid 

Beliind a cloud ! did it not l)id 

His children guard their hunting-grounds? 

And have they never heard strange sounds? 

Have they never seen strange footprints near? 

Have they not missed the moose and dear? 

Have they not seen the Ijig-canoe,* 

rire-water,t and Pale-faces, too? 

Yes — they have seen all these, and more! 

They're heard the white-men's thunder roar! 

They've seen their hunting-grounds laid low, 

And that by a deceitful foe I 

And were they made to hoe the corn? 

No ! their free souls such labor scorn ! 

Listen, brothers ! hear me through ; 

Ye are men and warriors, too ! 

Those strangers, white as winter's snow. 

Claim all the land, where'er they go ! 

They say their Christian God hath given 

Unto them all things under heaven ! 

They call the Indians poor, and kill 

Their game, to make them poorer still! 

And shall we crouch, like dogs, l)efore 

The Pale-face tribe? our sires of yore 

Would frown upon us evermore ! 

They've slain my friends — my l)rothers' friends -^ 

For which they cannot make amends ; 

Their restless ghosts for vengeance sigh. 

And lon<? to hear our battle-crv ! 



Ship. t^piiitnous liquors. 



Indians. 69 

They went alone — with naked hands — 
Into the happy Spirit-lands ; 
And shall this l)e ? no — it must not — 
Their wrongs must never be forgot; 
A curse would rest upon our head. 
And we should fear to meet the dead ! 
Are not my brothers of my mind? 
Do they not, sometimes, feel inclined 
To strike the foe ? now is the time ! 
Exterminate them from our clime ! 
Slay every Pale-face on our soil, 
And feast forever on the spoil I 
They've driven me from hill to fen, 
From valley to the mountain glen ; 
Yet still I have a willing band, 
Who only wait for my command 
To tomahawk our common foe, 
And wrap their wigwams in a glow ! 
Believe me, brothers, they will come. 
Ere long, and claim your happy home; 
]f not arrested in their course, 
Or banished from our land, per force ! 
Hence, brothers, I believe it right 
For all in common to unite, 
And swear by every restless ghost 
That wanders unavenged and lost — 
By every hope and feeling high 
Engendered by nativity • — 
To free the land our fathers gave. 
Or make that land a common grave ! " 

XII. 

When he had ceased, a startling veil 

Re-echo'd through the wood and clell; 

" Revenge and death ! " each warrior cried, 

And grasped the hatchet by his side ; 

For Philip's speech had woke their ire. 

As fuel added to a fire; 

They jump'd, and whoop'd, and beat the air, 

Like wounded bisons in despair. 

And shouted up and down the plain, 

'Till Maintonomah spoke again. 

He spoke — and every man was still 

As morning's mist upon a hill ; 



70 History of Marlborough. 

He spoke — Init I may not unfold 
A single word of what he told I 
You know my reason — ask not why 
The moon appears in yonder sky. 

XIII. 

They held a consultation brief, 

And seem'd united in belief. 

Then Maintonomah step'd unto 

A pine,* that in the clearing grew. 

And struck his tomahawk therein ; 

The hills returned the sullen din. 

This was a hostile signal, given 

Before the face of man and heaven, 

To prove the truce no longer good, 

Wliich had been stain'd with Indian blood. 

The men now follow'd to the tree, 

And wounded it successively; 

Tore off the bairk Avith mimic rage, 

And sorely main'd that tree of age ! 

At length they ceased, and then returned 

Near where the dying beacon burn'd. 

Drew in a line around their chief, 

AVho wish'd from further works relief. 

Until the moTuing sun should rise 

And re-illume the azure skies. 

Part Thikd. 

I. 

The birds begin to carol loud. 

And Xight withdraws her sable shroud; 

The golden sun appears in view, 

Beyond the hills of sombre hue; 

The Hudson glitters to the sheen, 

The woods are dress'd in burnish'd green. 

The dew-drops sparkle on the lawn. 

Ad add their lustre to the morn — 

All nature, clad in vesture gay, 

Seems welcoming the new-])orn day. 

* After resolving war, the Indian usually select some convenient 
tree as a symbol of their enemy; against which they direct their mimic 
vengeance. 



lNDIA]SrS. 71 

II. 

What sounds are those, now swelling high, 

N"ow low'ring into melody? 

Ah, me! — they speak a mournful tone, 

Like requiem for spirits gone : 

They bid the native warrior rise. 

And seek a warrior's destinies: 

They are the conch-notes, sounding far 

The larum of approaching war! 

III. 

When the first signal-blast was heard, 
Each inmate at his door appear'd; 
And when the last sound died away. 
Like some mysterious roundelay. 
The busy squaws might then be seen, 
The sportive boys u])on the green, 
The warriors stalking here and there, 
Apparently devoid of care, 
Until, by mutal assent, 
They circled Maintonomah's tent. 

IV. 

With Metamora and bis men. 

My father was conversing then : — 
" And has my brother seen," asked he, 
" The great white chief* beyond the sea ?" 
" We feel the wind, but cannot see 

The cause of its velocity." 
" 'Tis well ; and does my brother know 

The strength and number of his foe?" 
" The leaves are num'rous on the trees, 

But they are scattered by the breeze; 

The Yengese number like the sand. 

Still we may drive them from our land. 

If we but work unitedly, 

From civil liroils and factions free." 
" Enough : — the beaver is full wise, 

Tbe wild-cat utters treach'rous cries. 

The cunning fox is often ta'en, 

The bear and bison may be slain. 

The white-men strike the red-men well, 

Si ill they are no invincible!" 

* KiiiL;' ot Engliviid. 



^z 



History of Marlborough. 



He still was speaking, when a shout 
Proclaim'd some incident without : 
Those who had placed themselves hefore 
The humhle wigwams's open door, 
Now parted, to make way for one 
Whose ea-rthly race was nearly run. 
All riveted an eager gaze 
Upon the sage of many days ; 
And each appear'd, at least to me, 
To watch his movements anxiously; 
Because he was, till then, unknown, ■ 
Of latter years to walk alone ; 
Especially hefore the sun 
Had drunk the dew and dried the lawn. 
He sat by Maintonomah's side, 
And Matamora keenly eyed. 
That haughty chieftain well could l)rook 
Our aged prophet's eagle look : 
He did not quail l)eneath his eye, 
Though keen and long the scrunity; 
And not a muscle could you trace 
Distorted in his manly face; 
But, like a noble Sagamore, 
The close examination bore. 

VI. 

I never shall forget the hour, 

' Till to the land of shadows borne, 
When Wessatona's magic power 

Foretold my father's doom that morn; 
For he was gifted to behold, 

Thro' thy dark shades. Futurity! 
Life's awful waste; and to unfold 

The hidden things of destiny. 
"And go," he said, " tho' I have dream'd 

That thou shalt fall in battle brave; 
A Sachem's word should be redeem'd, 

Tho' it were purchased by his grave! 
Go, then, pride of thy people ! where 

The boon of glory may be found; 
Be honor still thy leading star; 

And let thy warwhoop loudest sound. 



Indians. 

I've marked our brother — fear him not — 

Xo treason harbours in his breast: 
First of his nation — he has fought 

The l)iravest and the l)est! 
Farewell, my son ! — ^Fanitto calls ; 

Thy father beckons thee to come: 
Haste to the field where manhood falls, 

And seek a long — a happy home." 

VII. 

He ceased ; an awful pause ensued 

The dread disclosure made; 
Each seeniM unwilling to intrude. 

And solemn silence sway'd. 
The prophet left our wigwam drear, 

And sought his own again: 
Methought I saw the briny tear 

Bedew his visage then. 
The men withdrew to eat their meat, 

And bid their squaws adieu : 
My sire resum'd his lowly seat, 

And took refreshments too. 
He bade the strangers share his cheer; 

Consisting of a haunch of deer, 
A gourd of water, and some fish 
Placed in an oval wooden dish, 
A bown of succotash and bread ; 
On such repast stern warriors fed. 

VIII. 

Behold a warlike band, array'd 

In Indian pomp — in Indian show ! 
See o'er their heads a flag displav'd, 

Type of defiance to the foe! 
Their gaudy plumes of feathers gay 

Wave in the southern, summer gale; 
Their polished arms reflect the day, 

Like sparkling diamonds, bright and pale. 
Their valiant chef — my noble sire — 

By Areouski * doom'd to die. 
Feels in his breast the martial fire. 

And glories in his destiny ! 



Indian God of War. 



74 History of Marlborough. 

Now all are ranged upon tlie plain, 
Between the village and tlie sun ; 
0, hearken to the rising strain ! 
Their valiant chief — my noble sire — 

SONCx. 
Manitto! lend thine ear 

To thy childi-en weak; 
Manitto! deign to hear 

Wliat they' speak. 

Thou art strong — thoii art just — 
Tlioii art swift — ^ we are slow; 

In thee we phice our trust, 
Help us strike the foe! 

Manitto! hear our cries, 
We crave thy mighty aid ; 

Manitto! thou art wi-e. 
And knowest what is said. 

Three several times I plainl}- heard 
Each simple line, and simple word ; 
Deep, slow, and soft their accents fell. 
And died in distance thro' the dell. 
However harsh to a white ear 
Their artless cadence niiglit appear; 
Howe'er uncouth their attitude. 
Unpolished verse, and gestures rude; 
Yet, to an Indian, like me, 
'Twas like some passing melody, 
ATid every action, word and tone 
Blent in harmonious unison ! 

X. 

Ere yet the destin'd marcli l^egan. 

The war-pipe pass'd from man to man; 

Its stem was of a crimson hue, 

Its bowl was of the brightest blue, 

"Wrought from stone* of hardest mould, 

By Christian hunters bought and sold. 

That done, they pass'd with noiseless tread 

Unto the Hudson's lowly bed, 

AVhere fifty light canoes were seen, 

All dancing on the waters sheen. 

The southern breeze swept o'er the flood. 

And sigh'd along the leafy wood ; 

•■' Flint. 



Indians. 75 

And fresher still the breezlet blew, 

And higher still the billows grew, 

Until they laved the sandy shore. 

With dashing foam and hollow roar. 

Xow o'er the tronbled deep they glide, 

Like bounding l)isons, side by side ; 

See ! — they have gained the eastern strand, 

And draw their canoes to the land: 

Another look — and naught is seen, 

Save l)arren rocks and cedars areen. 



XI. 

Twelve suns had rolTd from east to west, 
As many moons had sunk to rest ; 
Twelve times the stars appeared in view. 
Diffusing feeble lustre too, — 
Since Maintonomah and his band 
Sought Metamora's troubled land. 
There is a feeling of the heart. 
Pure as the balmy breath of morning. 
When Xight's unfathoniM shades depart, 
And oriental beams are dawning: 
It is that love which parents bear 
For the dear objects of their care; 
It is that love which children learn 
To feel for parents in return. 
And such the passion that I felt, 
AVhen in the lonely tent I knelt. 
And pray'd ]\Ianitto to restore 
]\Iy father to his tribe once more. 
But what avail- our earnest cries. 
When He, who rules in yonder skies. 
Hath need of those we would detain, 
And calls them to himself again? 

XII. 

The morning dawnM without a cloud; 

The larks ascended in the air; 
The men assembled in a crowd, 

But then, alas ! few men were there. 



76 History of Marlborough. 



The boys resimi'd their daily phiys, 

The mimic of the chase and fight, 
And acted them in many ways, 

With Youth and Childhood's gay delight. 
Oh, Youth ! oh, Childhood ! — what are ye, 

That smile so sweetly for a time? 
Blest beacons on Life's stormy sea. 

Between its dawning and its prime! 
Bright as the golden sun, ye seem; 

Fair as tlie moon, when riding high; 
But transient as the dazzling gleam 

That shoots athwart a troubled sky ! 

XIII. 

E'en now, methinks, I hear the yell. 
Which thundered thro' this very dell. 

Full sixty years ago: — 
Again it Tose, in awful strain. 
The notes of pleasure and of pain, 

And died in echo's low. 
Lo ! near the river's eastern side. 
Afloat upon the limpid tide, 

Our absent friends appear ! 
How swiftly o'er the waves they come I 
They seek a peaceful, happy home. 

Eemote from war's career. 
Jov! joy! — but transient joy is found 

Within this world of cares: 
As thorns 'mid fairest flowers abound. 

Life is beset with snares ! 
We joy'd to see them near the land. 

But soon that joy was turn'd to pain. 
Where was the leader of the band ? 

He ne'er shall see his tribe again! 
Wrapt in the arms of death, he lies. 

And cold as Alleghania's snow : 
Alas ! no more his eagle eyes 

Shall light his warriors to the foe! 

XIY. 

Oh ! listen to those piercing tones — 
They fill my heart with dread ; 

They are the weeping widows' moans, 
Bewailino- husl)ands dead ! 



Indians, 77 

And mingled with their grief, arise 
The hapless orphans' plaintive cries: 
These grieve for those who never more 
Shall smile npon them as before ; 
And those for those endeared by ties 
Of hynenean paradise. 

XV. 

Long ere the mourners ceased to weep, 
Fonr warriors climb'd the rocky steep; 
They bore a litter, form'd of wood, 
Of hastv workmanship and rude; 
'Twas lined with barks and blankets too. 
Thus rendered easy to the view. 
They gain'd the plain, and pass'd along. 
With solemn tread, amid the throng. 
All eyes were fixed on them alone. 
To none their burden was unknown. 
For, on the litter which they bore, 
Lay Maintonomah — chief no more ! 

XVI. 

X"ear yonder grove of stately trees, 
Now waving in the evening breeze. 
Upon a seat they placed my sire, 
And dress'd him in a gay attire : 
His tomahawk, bright as the sun! 
His wampum, with its trinkets on; 
His blanket, decked with beads and gold. 
Which dangled from each graceful fold ; 
His knife was pendant from his waist. 
With eagle plumes his head was graced. 
His bow was o'er his shoulder slung, 
And arrows in his quiver hung. 

XYII. 

The minor chieftains gathered round. 

The young men and the squaws appeared ; 
All stood in silence deep, profoimd. 

And gazed on him they loved, revered. 
Yes — all were there, save those who fell, 

As fell their leader, in the fight, 
But thev had gone where warriors dwell 

With purer, unalloy'd delight. 



78 HisTOKY OF Marlborough. 

Immediately l)efore him stood 

Old Wessatona, wise and good. 

His arms were folded on his breast. 

His head was sunk upon his ehest, 

His eyes were closed, and from them stole 

The tender anguish of his soul. 

Long had the awful quiet reign'd, 

Where all was felt and nothing feign'd ; 

And long had every one bestow'd 

The mournful tribute, justly owed; 

Before the sage appeared to note 

His being on the fatal spot. 

At first his legs began to move 

As if imploring heaven's love ; 

Fitful and indistinct their sound. 

Scarce heard by those who wept around. 

A hundred summers he had seen, 

Attired in rol^es of vernal green ; 

A hundred winters he had known 

Howl on the train of winters gone; 

And many tokens had they cast 

Upon him, as they hurried past ; 

The flowing scalp-lock on his head 

Eivall'd the snow-wreath which they shed ; 

And bended form, and furrowed face, 

And trembling liml), and tottering pace, 

Were of his lengthened years, the trace. 

Yet, not the weight of a century 

Could then repress his energy ; 

He oped his eyes, he raised his head. 

And thus address'd the silent dead: 

XYIIT. 

" Pride of the ]\Iohawks I thou art gone : 
A nation mourns thee all too soon ! 
Thou wast the foremost in the chase! 
Thou wast the fleetest in the race! 
None knew so well, as thou did'st know, 
To hunt the moose, and strike the foe! 
Few at the council-fire so voung, 
None wiser — and but few as strong! 
Why hast thy left us, noble chief? 
Why was thy stay among us brief? 



Indians. 79 

•Manitto call'd — thou hast obey'd. 

And left us nothing but thy shade. 

But thou didst not repair alone 

To the Great Spirit's happy throne; 

A hundred Yengese clear thy way! 

A hundred scalps beside thee lay! 

What chief can fill thy vacant place 

With equal good and equal grace? 

Xone, eagle of thy tribe ! is even — 

The boon to thee alone was given ! 

Thou hast discharged thy duty here, 

Without a rival or compeer: 

Thy sun is set — thy work is done — 

Thy night is come, and thou art gone ! 

Gone, with thy father's ghost to dwell : 

Pride of the Mohawks ! — fare thee well ? " 

XIX. 

Thus spoke the sage; — the multitude 

Drank deep each solemn word ; 
They listend in attentive mood. 

And reverenced what they heard. 
His voice was hush'd — his eyes reclosed, 
And once again his head reposed 

Upon his bosom bare: 
Two of the braves, who stood near by, 
Attended respectfully 

Unto his tent with care. 

XX. 

And now the mournful numbers rise. 

The corpse is placed upon a bier. 
And, follow'd by a nation's cries, 

Convey'd, in awful grandeur, here. 
Yes, here, beneath this very clay. 

On which, proud Christian ! thou didst tread. 
Doth mighty jMantonomah lay! 

The noble and forgotten dead. 

Enough : — As I liave said before. 

My final hour will shortly come; 
Go — Pale-face ! and return no more- — 

I'll weep upon my father's tomb: 



80 History of Marlborough, 

Yes, — 1 will weep 'till kindly death 
Shall dry my tears with friendly hand 

Then joyfully resign my breath, 
And meet him in the Spirit Land. 



SAMUEL A. BARRETT, 
Farmer, Poet, Abolition Orator. 

Samuel A. Barrett was born at Milton in 1814 and died in 1852. He 
received his education at the village school, and attended one year at 
the Quaker school at Nine Partners, Dutchess county. At the early 
age of twenty he commenced to write poems, and from" that time to the 
time of his death, contributed to many literary periodicals on many 
subjects. Born a (Quaker, he naturally imbibed the principle of opposi- 
tion to slavery, and soon became an advocate of the cause, entering 
warmly into the discussions of the day. At the request of numerous 
abolition societies, he spoke for them at Boston and numerous cities 
and towns in Massachusetts and this state. He was said to be an 
orator of no mean ability. He assisted his father on his farm at 
Milton, and in his leisure moments composed poetry, contributed 
articles to various publications, and prepared his speeches. One day 
he would be working in the harvest, the next addressing large and 
enthusiastic meetings. He received a sunstroke while at work in the 
harvest, wliich developed into typhoid fever, resulting in his death, at 
the age of thirty-eight. He was a country boy in a country village, 
without friends or influence to assist him in his literary work; un- 
known and unheard of except as he worked his way among men and 
commanded respect by his energj' and ability. 

He was cut down in his youth and in his usefulness; a life blotted 
out that was destined, had he lived, to have been of great honor to 
himself and of great usefulness to his country. 



The Early Settlers. 

The first settler was Denis Relje, sometimes called 
Old Denis and the Old Man. His name appears in the 
precinct of Highland tax roll as Denis Relje in the 
years 1714, 1715 and 1718, In the tax roll of 1724 
and 1725 it aj^pears as Old Denis. The Kill or Creek 
at Marlborongh Landing is named after him. 

In the petition of Egbert Schoonmaker, 1697, appli- 
cation is made for a grant of vacant land " being on 
both sides of the Oudtman's Kill or Creek." Also 
in the petition of Alexander Griggs, he applied for a 
grant of land " beginning on the sonth side of Old 
Man's Creek, and running np the river to a point 



The Early Settlers. 81 

called Old Man's Hook." Augustine Graham, in his 
petition, applied for land " at ye Old Man's Creek," 
and in a further petition land "lying at the Old- 
Man's Kill." The name of Denis Relje does not ap- 
pear on the tax roll after 1725, and it is presumed 
that he was then dead. 

William Bond, his family and slaves, were the next 
settlers of whom we have knowledge, though there 
were others at the time who lived on the patents and 
paid quitrents. Most of the settlers came from Long 
Island and Westchester county. They were people 
who were established in those places, having their 
farms and property there. They moved up to this 
town, some coming in sloops and others crossing in 
scows from the opposite side of the river. They 
brought their families, wordly goods, cattle and horses 
with them. When they arrived they were ready to 
erect their log or stone houses, and to commence clear- 
ing the land. After the first arrivals, their friends, 
who were already here, helped them to put up their 
houses and clear some of the land. A family would 
come from a certain location or neighborhood, and 
soon some of their relatives or friends would follow. 
Perhaps no community started with better or more 
favorable prospects than did the first settlers of this 
town. They did not come here almost destitute as a 
large body of foreigners have done, but in two or 
three days they could change their abode and start 
life anew with all their household goods, properties, 
comforts and conveniences that they had enjoyed in 
their previous homes. 

Old letters, papers, and records show this beyond a 
doubt. In fact the same names can be traced in the 
records and papers of Westchester and Long Island, 
spelled the same as our people then spelled their 
names. These people visited together and kept up 
their relationship and friendship for a generation or 



History of Marlborough. 



more, and many of our people can trace their ances- 
tors back to these places. 

But few settlers drifted in until 173(3 or there- 
abouts, when settlers commenced to arrive more fre- 
quently and from that time on the population rapidly 
increased. In one year twenty or more families 
arrived. In 1782 the population was 1,482; in 
1790 the enumeration of inhal)itants, including- Platte- 
kill, colored people, and slaves, was 2,241, Newburgh 
having only 2,365. This population was supported 
by ordinary fann crops on stony land, which first had 
to be cleared. There was no fruit raised then to sell. 

The families were large, ranging from six to fifteen 
children.. 

They were an honest, industrious, law-abiding class 
of people. No great crimes were ever committed; 
churches and schools were plain but sufficient; a 
chattel mortgage was almost unknown. A person 
never borrowed money except under the necessity of 
unforseen circumstances, and then he paid it as soon 
as possible; notes scarcely ever were taken. The 
borrower considered he was under a sacred obliga- 
tion, and he often went without necessaries to make 
his payment. Very few judgments were entered in 
those times, but the execution went against the body 
and the debtor put in jail if he did not pay. The 
peojile were very lenient, and there was not much 
oppression. There were very few real estate mort- 
gages on record before 1800. The debt on the prop- 
erty must have 1)een secured in some other way. 
Until the Constitution of 1777, the choice of candi- 
dates at the precinct meetings was determined by 
viva voce. 

I find no records of town officers up to 1763, but 
find some early tax rolls, and in those relating to the 
precinct of the Highlands, to which we then belonged, 
is the following: 



The Early Settlers. 



83 



" The Freeholders, Inhabitants, Eesidents, and Sojourners of 
the County of Ulster, theire real and personal estates a.re rated 
to be assessed by the Assessors (on theire Oath) chosen for the 
same on the 20th day of January 1714-15, and are to pay 
after the rate of one penny half per pound to discharge this 
years payment of said County's Quota * * * 

Layd by an Act of the P. Assembly, Entitled an Act for 
Levying the sum of Ten Thousand pounds, viz: 

Precinct of Hig 



Peter Magregorie .... 

Swerver 

AVilliam Sutherland . . 
Michael Wygant .... 
Burger Myndertsen . . 

Jacob Weber 

Peter LaEoss 

John Fisher 

Andres Volck 

George Lockste 

Pieter Jansen 

Henry Eennau 

Wm. Elsworth's widow 

Dennis Eelje 

Alexander Griggs . . . . 

Thomas Harris 

Capt. Bond 

IVIelgert the Joyner . . . . 
Christian Hendrick . . 
Jacob Decker, Jun . . . . 
Cornells Decker 



Highlands. 






Bated 




Tax 


lb 


s 


d 


30 


3 


9 


5 





Tl-2 


4.5 


5 


71-2 


15 




10 


10 




3 


15 




101-2 


10 




3 


10 




3 


12 




6 


10 




3 


10 




3 


25 


3 


11-2 


5 





71-2 


3 





41-2 


35 


4 


41-2 


5 





71-2 


15 


1 


101-2 


15 


1 


101-2 


3 





41-2 


10 


1 


3 


5 





71-2 



293 1 IC 



71-2 



Of the above Dennis Relje (Eelyea), Alexander 
Griggs, Thomas Harris, Captain Bond, Jacob Decker, 
Jr., Cornelius Decker and Pieter Jansen paid taxes 
in what is now Marlborough and Plattekill. Similar 
returns for the years 1717-18, 1724—25, exhibit the 
increase of residents and freeholders in the x>i'ecinct, 
as follows: 



84 



History of Marlborough. 



Peter Mae Gregory 
Wm. Sutherland 
]VIichael Wygant 
Jacob Weber 
John Fisher 
Andries Volek 
Henry Eennau 
Widow Elsworth 
Denis Relje 



Wm. C'liainbers 
John Lawrence 
His Ex. William Burnett 
Widow P]lsworth 
Phineas Mcintosh 
Thos. Ellis (on) 
George Lockstead 
Jeurian (}uick 
William Bond 
Burger ]\rinders 
Thomas Brainer, widow 
AVilliam Ward 
Geo. AVaggont 
AVm. Sanders 
Alexander Mickel 
Doct. Colden 
Geo. Elmes 
Tobias Wygant 
Valentyne Breasure 
John Humphrey 
David Sutherland 
John Davids 



1717-18 

Wm. Bond 

Alexander Griggs 

Melgert de Schrynwerker 

Col. Mathews 

Mr. Gomez 

Burger Myndertsen 

A. Graham 

Mr. Chambers 

Peter Jansen's estate 

1734-25 

John Wilson 
Old Denes 
AVilliam Fountain 
Gomez the Jew 
Christopher Fel)b 
John Askell 
John Armtyne 
Thomas Edwards 
Z. Hotfman 
Michael Bolls 
Henry AVileman 
Daniel Denes 
John Slater 
John Filips 
Eobt. Kirkland 
John Alsop 
Peter Long- 
Peter Mulliner 
Melcher Gillis 
Henry Hedsel 
Benj. Elsworth 
Xathaniel Foster 



Wm. Chambers 
Phineas Mcintosh 
Thomas Ellison 
James Elsworth 
Jurie Quick 
Wm. Bond 
Gomaz the Jew 
Burger ]\Ievnderse, Jr. 



1726-29 

Moses Elsworth 

John Haskell 

John Alsop, Esq. 

AAalliam Ward 

John Vantine 

Geo. Wagagont (AA^eigand) 

John David 

Milo-ert Gillis 



The Early Settlers. 85 

1726-29 

Geo. Speedwell Win. Saunders 

Benj. Elswortli Alex. Maekie 

Xathl. Foster Cad. Golden 

Francis Harrison John Slaughter 

J. Maekneel, Jr. George 

James Ganiwell Tohias Wagagont 

Stephen Bedford Robert Strickland 

Thomas Shaw John Umphrey 

Joseph Gale Peter Long 

Henry David Sutherland 

John ]\Iond Peter Muliner 

Burger Meynderse Chrittian Chevis 

In lists appear the names of " Denis Relje " and 
*' Old Denes " both the same man; also "" Mr. 
Gomez ' ' and ' ' Gomez the Jew, both the same person ; 
also appear " Jeurian Quick " and " Jurie Quick," 
both the same. These men and Wm. Bond, Alexander 
Griggs, A. Graham and Pieter Jansen resided at New 
Marlborough, and proliably some of the others. Z. 
Hoffman paid taxes on lands here. From this list it 
will be seen who the taxpayers were. 

Capt. William Bond was the first settler of that 
part of the town known as Milton, of whom there is 
any authentic record. He appears on the tax roll of 
1714—15 as Captain Bond, and on the succeeding tax 
rolls. Captain Bond had a daughter, Sukie (Sus- 
annah), who resided with him in a house which he 
built east of the old Hicksie meeting house. He made 
his home there with his daughter most of the time, 
except when he was absent as Deputy Surveyor of the 
State. They had several slaves, and there has ever 
since been a tradition here, that Bond, his daughter, 
and slaves were buried on the strip of land east of 
the Oliver C. Hull house, and east of and adjoining 
the highway at the i)oint where the David C^oleman 
factory stood. In 1850 when the ground for the 
factory was dug up and graded, fragments of bones, 



86 History of Marlborough. 

hair, etc were found, showing clearly that it had been 
a burial ground. 

Gomez the Jew, after whom the Jew's Creek is 
named, was a New York merchant but resided here 
part of the time. In the districting of the highways 
his residence is spoken of as " the Jew's house." 

Quick and Hoffman were then jointly the owners of 
the Griggs and Graham Patent, afterward owned by 
DuBois, and were paying taxes on it. 



Our Ancestors. 
In the address made by Daniel Webster, at the 
celebration of the New England Society at Washing- 
ton, December, 1845, he said : 

It is wise for us to recur to the history of our ancestors. 
Those who are regardless of the liistory of our ancestors and 
their posterity — who do not look upon themselves as a link 
connecting the past with the future, in the transmission of life 
from their ancestors to their posterity, do not perform their 
duty to the world. To he faithful to ourselves, we must keep 
our ancestors and posterity within reach and grasp of our 
thoughts and affections, living in the memory and retrospect 
of the past, and hoping with affection and care for those who 
are to come after us. We are true to ourselves only when we 
act with becoming pride for the l)lood we inherit, and which 
we are to transmit to tliose wlio shall fill our places. 

Throughout continental Europe it is quite the 
fashion for people to try to trace their ancestry back 
in past history to some duke or other titled person- 
age who in his day was considered great — some by 
their own achievements but mostly by being favorites 
of the Crown or to some famous general of the army, 
who by his valor and prowess had brought honor and 
renown to his country, and by his conquests extend- 
ing its boundaries; others might have been excellent 
scholars and poets or recognized statesmen and 



Our Ancestors. 87 



rulers. Some people are proud to trace their ances- 
try to some such a person, but it turns out in most 
instances that the ancestor is the only great and 
worthy man in all the line of the family. The ruling 
house of Great Britain to-day trace their ancestry 
back a thousand jeavs to the Duke of Normandy who 
entered England with an army of 60,000 men, who 
conquered the country and established the present 
reigning house, but when we trace the lineage of the 
Duke we find that he was the natural son, which his 
father, the old Duke, had by the daughter of a tanner. 
But it does not follow that a person is unworthy of 
remembrance because he has not marched at the head 
of an army, captured a city, or governed a nation. 
Those who have done all that was reasonable and 
proper, in private or public atfairs, in a small and 
humble way, may have exej-ted an influence as lasting 
and beneficial in many ways as those who had more 
opportunities and more elevated positions. The best 
blood of Europe animated the early settlers of this 
town and country. They were sons of toil, leasehold 
farmers, the fee to the lands being in the hands of the 
titled gentry; they were an industrious, economical 
people, brought up to work and save and be thrifty, 
and transmitted these qualities from one generation to 
another. They obtained such education as the com- 
munities in which they lived afforded. They were 
christian and devout ; they all had some form of public 
worship which they considered it a sacred duty to at- 
tend, and observed the teachings of the church. This 
is the class of people who were our ancestors; they 
came mostly from England soon after this province 
came into the possession of the English government. 
They settled at first for the most part in other places 
in the province, and they and their children from 
time to time became the owners of the soil and the 
inhabitants of this town. They cleared up these 



HiSTOKY OF MaELBOROUGH. 



stony lands; they reared their houses; raised their 
families and were the commencement of all that exist 
to-day. It is no great stretch of the imagination to 
view the aspect of the town in those times ^ — the 
forests, the swamps, the rocky surface. If our people 
could go back and view it all and be required to com- 
mence anew, they would stand appalled. At this late 
day, it is hard to conceive what trials and hardships 
our ancestors must have endured to gain a foothold 
on what was then rugged and barren land, and they 
are worthy of much praise, and we trust and hope 
that their names will never be forgotten, but will be 
respected and held in loving rememl)rance l)y all their 
descendants. The names of all these people, or their 
family names — I should say, can easily l)e traced in 
the first records of Long Island and Westchester 
county and in English records and history, and with 
patience the ancestry of the people can be traced l)ack 
many generations. They sprang from the humble 
paths of life; they had been led out for centuries by 
the nobility to fight on the battlefields of Europe. 
They had been |)ersecuted and oppressed and had 
sighed for freedom and equal rights, and looked to 
the future and a new country for the realization of 
their hopes. They cast aside their regrets for their 
native land and braved the dangers of the ocean and 
of a new and untried country and came to these shores. 
They were our fathers and mothers and we revere 
their memory. 

The first settlers of a country impart tone and char- 
acter to its institutions and the habits and manners of 
the people, and what they begin and accomplish are 
seen and felt for many succeeding years. Those com- 
ing after imitate their examples and follow their 
teachings. 

Lessons can be learned as well from the small as 
from the great. We claim for our ancestors no par- 



Our Ancestors. 89 



ticular exemption from human frailty and vices in- 
cident to all conditions. Like all others they were 
good and bad character, but they were largely of the 
good and virtuous class. If on trying to trace back 
and counting them up we find the positively bad, they 
are not to be thrown aside on that account with the 
hope of covering up their errors lest the chain of 
descent be broken. It is our business to learn from 
them all and be ever thankful that we are descended 
from so sturdy and worthy a race. 

In our reflections upon the character and conduct of 
our forefathers, there is much that is personal and 
agreeable to the feelings. We own and adopt them as 
members of the family, think and speak of them as 
nearly allied to us, though not one drop of their 
blood deepens the color of our own. We share their 
respect and renown, and glory in their fame. We ap- 
propriate them to ourselves and make them ours. We 
feel as they felt, pity and weep over their hardships 
and misfortunes. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Town of Marlborough in the Revolution — 
THE Committee of Safety and Observation. 

The drama of the revolution opened in Marlbor- 
ough as in most other places, on the passage of the 
non-importation resolutions by the Provincial Con- 
gress- in 177-1:, which resolutions and other matters 
under discussion by the people in relation to the con- 
duct of England toward her colonies led to the forma- 
tion in cities, towns and precincts, of a Committee of 
Safety and Observation. 

The city of New York took the lead by fonning a 
committee of one hundred. Isaac Low, chairman, sent 
out circulars to the towns and precincts in the prov- 
ince urging the formation of similar committees. In 
the precinct of New Marlborough a public meeting 
was called in January, 1775, when a committee was 
appointed. The following named persons constituted 
the committee of New Marlborough, though all were 
not appointed at tire first meeting — some of the mem- 
bers were a})pointed at subsequent meetings to fill 
vacancies, though all of those named served at some 
time during the war, Benjamin Carpenter, Abijah 
Perkins, Lewis DuBois, Wolvert Ecker, Nathan Kel- 
sey, Right Carpenter, Henry Lockwood, John Wool- 
sey, Nick Wygant, Joseph Morey, Richard Carpenter, 
Silas Purdy, Henry Terboss, John Smith, Henry Du- 
Bois, Elijah Lewis, and I think Nathaniel Potter. The 
last named lived just over the line in what is now the 
town of Lloyd. He acted with the committee and made 
arrests for them. Jacob Dayton, when arrested by him 
and examined, was bound over to him, so he must have 
been one of the committee. These persons were ap- 
pointed at public meetings called for that ])uri)ose, 

[ni] 



92 History of Marlborough. 



and the authority which they exercised must have 
been conferred by such meetings. They appear to 
have had authority to sequester horses, grain and pro- 
visions, fix the price for the same, and issue certifi- 
cates for the payment thereof. They could order the 
arrest of tori-es or persons who were suspected as 
being unfavorable to the cause of liberty, to have such 
persons brought before them for examination, and 
take the evidence and deposition of witnesses, and if 
they thought proper, could send such persons before 
the State committee or a general court-martial for 
trial, tog'ether with the examination and depositions 
taken, and they sometimes imprisoned persons. They 
could compel suspected persons to give security to one 
or more of the committee for their good behavior. 
They had power to call out the inhabitants concern- 
ing the tories and other disloyal people who were 
going off to enlist with the enemy, and to intercept 
them; also persons fearing arrest could voluntarily 
go before the committee and be regularly examined 
and allowed to explain their conduct, and if the com- 
mittee determined that they were loyal, they issued a 
certificate to them to that effect, which allowed them 
to remain quiet and peaceable at their homes and ex- 
empted them from arrest; all of which will be shown 
in subsequent chapters. They seized the goods of 
those who joined the enemy; they called together 
meetings of the inhabitants for the raising and organ- 
izing of troops, and other patriotic purposes. Two or 
more members of such committee presided at such 
meetings. They obtained the signatures of the inhab- 
itants who were favorable to the cause of liberty to 
the Articles of Association. They also prepared lists 
of those who refused to sign, and sent such lists to the 
State committee at New York city. 

I find that they recommended persons for offices in 
the army ; also they appear to have had charge of the 



Marlborough in the Revolution. . 93 

town or precinct government to a great extent, esp(v 
cially as to those matters which related to the war. 
The members of the town committees constituted the 
county committee when they met together, and as 
such they chose the deputies for the county to the Pro- 
vincial convention and appointed or elected deputies 
to the Provincial Congress; at least that appears to 
be the way representatives were chosen during the 
war. They were not elected at any general election 
that we can find any record of. They also appointed 
all county officers. Apparently the entire committee 
did not always act together, as many of the papers 
are signed only by two or more of the committee. It 
is hard to tell what all their duties were ; they did, or 
assumed to do, many things in connection with the 
conduct of the war. They issued many orders and ap- 
peared generally to have the ability to enforce them, 
though oftentimes their authority was disputed; they 
certainly exercised great influence in the cause, were 
zealous, just and true, and were among the best and 
most worthy people of the town. It would appear 
that all their services were meritorious and gratuitous. 
I cannot find that they ever received any compensa- 
tion whatever. They were looked up to by their neigh- 
bors; their advice and help were sought and they 
kept posted on the events of the day. The people con- 
gregated at their homes to hear the latest news from 
the seat of the war. They looked after the families of 
those in the service, collected provisions and cloth- 
ing for the army while at Valley Forge and Newburgh 
and delivered the same. Benjamin Carpenter was 
chairman of the committee. 

Wolvert Ecker, at the south part of the town, or 
just over the line, had a mill .on Jew's Creek. He was 
chairman of the Newburgh committee, and acted also 
with the committee here, taking great interest in the 
progress of the war. He kept open house, as it might 



94 History of Marlboeough. 

be said, and everyon-e was welcome. It was quite a 
place to meet especially on Sundays, and it is said that 
on such occasions he first read a chapter from the 
Bible; told all the news he had, and the people dis- 
cussed the events of the day. He appears to have 
been a central figure of the committee. He spent his 
time and money and never lost faith in the cause. He 
died very poor. 

John Woolsey appears also as a member of the State 
committee. The first duty that this committee per- 
formed was to attend a convention at New Paltz on 
the 7th day of April for the purpose of electing dele- 
gates to a Provincial convention. 

At a Meeting of the Committees of the several Towns and 
Precincts, in the Count}' of Ulster, to appoint Deputies to serve 
in the Provincial Convention at the City of New York on the 
20th day of April, or at such other Time and Place as may be 
agreed on. Held at New Paltz in the County aforesaid the 
7th day of April 1775. * * * 

Present: For New Marlborougli ; Benjamin Carpenter, Esq., 
Lewis Dubois, Joseph Morey, Abijah Perkins, Silas Purdy, and 
Henry TerBoss. 

Col. Johanns Hardenburgh was chosen President, and Charles 
DeWitt, George Clinton, and Levi Paulding, Esquires, were 
nominated and unanimously elected Deputies for the said 
County to serve in the Provincial Convention for the purpose 
of chosing delegates to represent this Colony in General Con- 
gress to meet at the City of Philadelphia, on the 10th of May 
next ; with full power to declare the sense of this county relative 
to the grievances under which His Majesty's American Sub- 
jects labor, and of the measures pursuing and to be pursued for 
obtaining Eedress, and to Join with the Deputies for the other 
Counties and Cities in this Colony at such Provincial Con- 
vention, in instruction to the delegates so as l)y them to be 
appointed, if they shall deem it necessary. 

Ordered that the Same be signed by the President. 

JoiiAXXES Hardexburgii 

The services of the committee and of the inhab- 
itants of the precinct were again soon called into 
action. The committee of New York drew up and 



Marlborough in the Kevolution. 95 

signed a pledge to stand by the orders and resolu- 
tions of the Continental and Provincial Congress, and 
this pledge was sent for signatures to all the precincts 
and counties in the province, and for this town was as 
follows : 

Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of 
America depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants 
in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its 
safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy 
and confusion, which attend the dissolution of the powers of 
government, we, the freemen, free-holders and inhaljitants of 
Xew Marlborough, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design 
of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shooked by 
the bloody scene now actins? in Massachusetts Bay, do, in the 
most solemn manner, resolve, never to become slaves ; and do 
associate, under all the ties of religion, honor and love to our 
country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever 
measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or 
resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose 
of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of 
the several arbitrary acts of the British Parliament, until a 
reconciliation between Great Britain and America on Con- 
stitutional principles (which we most ardently desire,) can be 
obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of 
our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the 
preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of indi- 
viduals and property. 

All who signed it were understood to be open and 
fearless friends of the American cause, whose efforts 
and influence the patriotic leaders could depend upon; 
while those refusing to sign would be understood and 
known as supporters of the King. The proceedings 
of the New York committee were received here about 
the 1st of May, and immediately a copy of the pledg-^a 
was left at Lattintown for signatures; a large part 
of the people came forward voluntarily and signed 
tiieir names. Some members of the committee then 
took the pledge to the home of everyone in the pre- 
cinct who had not signed, but there were some who 



96 



HisTOKY OF Marlborough. 



were fearful of the final ending of the controversy, 
and feared the displeasure of the English govern- 
ment, and anticipating that it might result in war with 
the mother country; and there were many Quakers 
here who were opposed to war on principle or con- 
science, and all such refused to sign the pledge. 

On the 29th day of May the Provincial Congress 
directed the committee holding the pledge to return 
the same by tire 15th of July, ''with the names of 
signers and those who refused to sign," and in ac- 
cordance with this resolution Benjamin Carpenter, 
chairman, and Abijah Perkins, clerk, made return of 
the names to the New York committee or the Provin- 
cial Congress on the lith day of July. The signers 
of the Pledge . or Articles of Association are as 
follows : 



Benjamin Carpenter 
Lewis Dubois 
Joseph ]\ror3^ 
Jurian Maekey 
Gilbonrl Cotton 
Jacob Wood 
John Woolsey 
Bordewin Terepannv 
Eleazer Frazer 
]\Iichael Wygant 
Solomon Warring 
Eichard Carpenter 
Elija Ferris 
Elija Lewis 
Henry TerBoss 
Silas Purdy 
John Duflfield 
Wright Carpenter 
Peter Berrian 
Abraham Quick 
Abija Perkins, M. D. 
Benj Ely, M. D. 
Seth Perkins, M. D. 
Benj. J. Frazer 



Lawrence Bokker 
Abraham Cooper 
Stepben Case 
Ichabod Williams 
John Montgomer}' 
Jacob De Groot 
John Mulliner 
Ananias Valentine 
Zadock Lewis 
Flavius Waterman 
James Pride 
Jacob Baton 
Joseph Caverly 
Nathaniel Plumlistead 
Ebenezer St. John 
Samuel Maekey 
Gilbert Bloomer 
William Martin 
Durneo Eelyee 
Christ Ostrander 
Henry Lockwood 
John Polhemus 
Stephen Purdy 
Noali St. John 



Maklboeough in the Revolution. 



97 



Daniel Pollienius 
George Landy 
Jacob Kent 
AVilliam Bloomer 
Isaac Cropsie 
John Bishop 
Uriah Drake 
Xath'l Cioodspeed 
Mica j ah Lewis 
John Davis 
Benjamin Hnett 
George Williams 
John Schurit 
James Tilkins 
George Hallett 
Thomas Quick, jr. 
William Gaverly 
Arilliam Quick 
Henry Decker 
Terrett Lester 
James ]\Ierritt 
William Purdv 
Henry Hill 
William Pembroke 
Eliza Gardner 
John Bond 
John Knowlton 
John Scott 
John ]\Iackey 
Mathew Wygant 
Samuel Abbe 
Andrew Ares 
Alexander Cropsie 
Samuel Hannah 
Joseph Bloomer 
William Stanton 
Andrew Young 
David Mackey 
Abraham Deane 
Bartholomew Baker 
George Williams 
David ]\rartin 
Abraham Lane 
George Lane 
4 



Henry Ferris 
Allen Lester 
John Ares 
Nathaniel Harcourt 
John Wygant 
James Wheeler 
John Quick 
Thomas (^uick 
Israel- Tuthill 
Jeriah Ehods 
Jesse Wheeler 
Oliver Wheeler 
Job St John 
Jonathan Woolsey 
George Stanton 
Daniel Bloomer 
Job Wood 
John Furman 
Nowell Furman 
Isaac Eowley 
Daniel Knowlton 
Peter Gaverly 
James Hunter 
Nathaniel Mills 
Josiah Lockwood 
Benjamin Dusenbury 
Isaac Deyo 
Daniel jMcQuinn 
Janter Willidge 
John Terwilleger, jr. 
William Relyee 
Marcus Ostrander 
Joshua Lockwood 
Jacob Terepanny 
John Terepanny 
Joseph Gee 
Simon Pelyee jr 
Ste])hen Seymour 
Josiah Baker 
John Baker 
Moses C^ary 
Bartholomew Bacon 
Nathaniel Hull 
John Hull 



!)8 



History of Marlborough. 



Chas Mackey 
Charles Mackey jr 
Nathaniel Quihiby 
Benjamin AYoolsey 
Samuel Hull, jr. 
Xathaniel Hull, jr. 
John Huitt 
Thomas Peniljroke 
John Lester 
Gideon Ostrander 
Hendrick Deyo, jr. 
Daniel Ostrander 
David McMin 
Andrew Cropsie 
Thomas Milkwort h 
Joseph Carpenter 
Pharaoh Latting 
John Lester 
David Brush 
John Wilson 
William Woolsey 
William Hollister 
Philip Aires 
Henry Jones 
Joseph Wells 
John Wygant, jr. 
Benj Stead 
Henry Simpson 
Adam Cropsie 
George Woolsey 
Eneas (^uimhy 
Samuel St. John 
Abram Mabee 
Kichard Woolsey 
AVm. Van Blaricom 
Adam St. John 
James Jackson 
Al)el Barnum 
AVilliam Ostrander 
Adam Case 
Simon Ralyee, jr. 
Jonathan Tuttle 
James Owen 
Peter Looze 



Abraham Mabee 
Benjamine Comfort 
Israel Tomkins 
Hugo Scutt 
Abraham Scutt 
William Scutt 
Eobert Everitt 
Metevis Fevin 
John Smith 
Alex Mackey, jr. 
Philip Caverly 
Daniel Geldersleeve 
Matthew St. John 
Isaac Tan Benschoten 
Petrus Ostrander 
Nathaniel Kelsey 
Alex Mackey, sr. 
Zephaniah Woolsey 
Josiah St. John 
Jesse Farechild 
Nehemiah Smith 
Henry Scott 
David Merritt 
James Van Blaricom 
Walter Comfort 
Joseph Bloomei 
Jonathan Lily 
Caleb Merritt 
Thomas Merritt 
Gabriel Merritt 
Jacob Cannaff 
Levi Quimby 
James Quimby 
Thomas Wygant 
Garrett Benschoten 
George Piatt 
Herman Chase 
Abraham Losson 
Hendrick House 
Durnee S. Relzee 
Francis Gaine 
James Waring 
Daniel Robertson 



Marlbokough in the Revolution. 



1)9 



William Dusenbcriy 
Jonathan Terrpaning 
David Ostrander 
Thomas Mackev 



Henn- Deyo, sr. 
Daniel Cook, jr. 
William Wygant 
Josiah ]\Ierritt 



The following- are the objectors against the Associa- 
tion by name, and refusing to sign: 



Isaac Garrison 
Moses Gregory 
James Gregory 
Samuel ^Merrett 
Elisha Purdy 
John Caverly 
John Young 
Edward Hallock 
Edward Hallock, jr. 
Solomon Fowler 
John Geroe 
William Geroe 
Nathaniel Gee 
Andrew Gee 
Henry Cronk 
Frederick Cronk 
Frederick Gee 
George Hardon 
Jonathan Lane 
Nehemiah Horton 



Isaac Horton 
Latting Carpenter 
Xathaniel Hiighson 
David Horton 
Jose})h Lane 
SamiK'l Devine 
Jose])li Devine 
Dnrnee Eelyea, jr. 
Benjamin Eelyea 
William Place 
Ohediah Palmer 
Samuel Hallock 
Daniel Conklin 
Jeremiah Canniff 
Isaac Canniff 
William Warren 
Jacob Eussell 
Humphrey Merritt 
Benj. Carpenter, Chairman 
Abijah Perkins, Clerk. 



Xew Marlborough, July 11, 1775. 
Committee of Xew Marlborough to P. Y. B. Livingston and 
Gentlemen : 

Agreeable to your Eesolution of the 29th of May last we^ 
the Committee of Xew Marlborough have endeavored that every 
individual. Inhabitant of this precinct should have the offer to 
sign the Association and having done it accordingly Do now 
return a List of the signers who voluntarily subscribed, and 
also those who refused to sign said Association. 

BEXJ. CAEPEXTEE,- Chairman 
ABb PEEKIXS, Clerk 

The enclosed is a true list of the signers to the Association. 

This was shortly after the battle of Lexington and 
the people had become quite decided in their views 



100 History of Maelboeough. 



and in the pn])lie opinion there was quite a marked 
difference between those who stood up manfully and 
subscribed their names and those who refused to sign. 

This list includes the names of those who then re- 
sided in what is now Plattekill; they were the men 
of the town in those days, of 1(3 years of age and up- 
ward, and both lists were intended to include every- 
one. They show that the town, (or, as it was then 
called, the precinct,) had a large population for those 
times; 232 signed, 38 refused- — 270 in all; whereas in 
the precinct of Newburgh 159 signed, 54 refused, 
making 213 in all, which shows that Marlborough was 
not only more }»opulous, but was also more loyal to 
the cause. In our precinct many of those who did 
not sign, refused for conscience' sake; but they were, 
and their descendants have always been good citizens ; 
and a few of those who did sign afterward went over 
to the enemy. 

While tbe above proceedings were in progress, an- 
other convention of committees from the precincts of 
the county was held at New Paltz, at the house of Mrs. 
Ann DuBois, May 11th, for the purpose of selecting 
deputies to the Provincial Congress. The following 
appeared for New Marlborough: Lewis DuBois, Ben- 
jamin Carpenter, Esq., and Jos€i)h Morey. Charles 
D. Witt, Esq., was chosen chairman. Colonel Johannis 
Hardenburgh, Colonel James Clinton, Egbert Du- 
mond. Dr. Charles Clinton, Christopher Tappen, John 
Nickolson and Jacob Hornbeck, Esquires, were chosen 
deputies for the said county to serve in the Provin- 
cial convention at the city of New York on the 22d 
day of May. 

All the town officers were required to take the Oath of 
Allegiance to the state : 

Oaths of alleo-ianco to the State of New York of sundry 
officers S:c. We, Stephen Case, Henry Terl)oos, Leonard Smith, 
Nathaniel Harker, assessors for the precinct of New ]\Lirl- 



Marlboroux]ih in the Kevolution, 101 

borough : Do solemnly swear and declare in the presence of 
Almighty God that Ave will bear true faith and allegiance to 
the State of Xew York as a free and independent State and 
that we will in all things to the best of onr knowledge and 
ability do our duty as good subjects of the said State ought to 
do. So help me God. 

LEOXAED S:\riTH 
HEXEY TEEBOSS 
Sworn to heioro me this 2d STEPHEX CASE 

day of Ma}-, ITTS. X^ATHAXIEL HAECOUET. 

AYolvert. Ecker, Justice of the Peace. 

Fourth Regiment — Levies and ]\riLiTiA. 
The Fourth, Fifth and Sixth companies were from 
this town. They were commissioned and mustered in- 
to the service on the 11th day of (Jctober, 1775. 

Fourth Company, Southeast Marlborough — Lewis DuBois, 
Captain; Caleb Merritt, First Lieut.; Dr. Abijah Perkins, 
Second Lieut. ; Matthew Wygant, Ensign. DuBois entered Con- 
tinental service, and was succeeded as Captain by Calel) Merritt ; 
Abijah Perkins, First Lieut. ; Stephen Case, Second Lieut. ; 
Matthew- Wygant, Ensign. In ITSO the roll stood: Stephen 
Case, Captain ; Matthew Wygant, First Lieut. ; John Banta,, 
Second Lieut. ; Xathaniel DuBois, Ensign, vice Alexander 
Cropsey, displaced. 

Fifth Company, Xortheast ]\Iarlljorough. — Jacob Wood, 
Captain; Jjirian Mackey, First Lieut.; X'athaniel Goodspeed, 
Second Lieut.; John Knowlton, Ensign. In 1TT9 Anning 
Smith, Firs I; Lieut. ; yiceJMackey, resigned ; X'athaniel Kelsey, 
Second Lieut. ; Xathaniel HaT'ker, Ensign, vice Knowlton, 
removed. 

Sixth Company, X'orthwest Marlborough — Bordawine Tear- 
penning, Captain ; William Martin, First Lieut. ; Friah Drake, 
Second Lieut. ; John Everett, Ensign ; David Ostrander, Second 
Lieut., March 9, 1TT8; Captain, March 6, 1779; James Lyons, 
First Lieut.; Jacob Terwilliger, Second Lieut.; Htigo Sheet, 
Ensign. 

Southern Eegiment of ^Minute ]\Ien, Xew ]\Ijarl borough Com- 
pany. — Commissioned December 1, 177o. Silas Purdy, 
Captain; Wolvert Ecker, First Lieut.; Zo})her Perkins, Second 
Lieut.; Leonard Smith, Jr., Ensign. 



102 History of Marlborough. 

Associated Exempts. 

Appointed November, 1778 : Samuels Edwards, Cap- 
tain; Nathaniel Wygant, First Lieut.; John Stratton, 
Second Lieut. ; Micajah Lewis, Ensign. This last com- 
l)any was organized for home defense and was not to 
be taken beyond the county. I cannot find the muster 
roles of these coini)anies or the names of the men. 



Certificates of the Committee of Safety 

New Marlborough, Oct. ye 2(1 1775. 

At a Eegular Election held this day in the southeast destrict 
of New Marlborough Precinct Agreeable to the resolves of the 
Provincial Congress, was chosen by a plurality of votes of the 
Soldiers of the Militia Co. of said Destrict Commanded by 
Col. Jonathan Hasbrouck the following officers : Caleb Merritt, 
Captain; Abijah Perkins, 1st Lieut.; Stephen Case, 2nd Lieut.; 
JMathew A^"ygant, Ensign; which Choice w^as made in the 
presence of us the subscril^ers two of the Committee of said 
Precinct. We are gentlemen, vour verv Humble Servants. 

" JOHN AYOOLSEY 
NICK WEYGANT 

Eeturn of Election of ]\Ii]itia officers Lister County. 

Honorable Gentlemen Agreeable to your orders the south 
district of the precinct of New Marlbprough met on the 20th 
of this Instant and chose l)y a plurality of votes the following- 
officers for the Militia (viz): Lewis DuBois. Capt. ; Caleb 
Merritt, 1st Lieut.; Dr. Abijah Perkins, 2nd Lieut.: :\Iathew 
Wygant, Ensign. 

Aug. 20, 1775 We are gentlemen your very 

Commissions issued Sept. huml)le servants. 

20, 1775. JOHN SMITH and HENPtY DLBOIS 

Two of the Committee 'of New Marlborouoh 



Electiox of Officers. 
A list of the officers chosen in a company of foot in New 
^Marlborough Agreeable to the directions of Congress: 



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Marlborough in the Revolution. 103 

Bordavine Terpening, C'apt. ; AVilliam ^lartin, 1st Lieut. ; 
Uriah Drake, 2nd Lieut. ; John Everitt, Ensign. 
Witness niv hand Sept. (ith, 1775. 

BEXJAMIAT CAEPEXTER 

Chairman 
Commissions issued and dated Oet. 11, 1775. 

Xew Marlhorough, Sept. 30, 1775. 

To the Honorable Provincial Congress at ISTew York city ; at 
an election of officers at New Marlborough Agreeal)lc to the 
directions of Congress have chosen by the ^Majority of votes in 
the northeast Destrict of said precinct. Beginning at Hudson's 
Eiver at Lewis DuBoises Xorth line running West to the 
mountains thence North to New Paltz line, thence to the river. 

Jacob Wood, Capt. ; Jurian Mackey, 1st Lieut. ; Nathaniel 
Goodspeed, 2nd Lieut. ; John Knowlton, Ensign. 

We the Inspectors being. two of the committee of the said 
Destrict, Being in Col. Hasbrouk's Eegiment. 

Commissions issued and JOSEPH MOEEY 

dated Oct. 17, 1775. EICHAED CAEPENTEE 

Two of the committee 



Commission of Willia:m Woolsey. 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YOEK 

[Seal] by the Grace of (iOD FEEE and INDEPENDENT. 

To William Woolsey Genfii Greeting. 

WE reposing esj^ecial Trust and Confidence as well in your 
Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and 
Eeadiness to do us good and faithful Service, Have Appointed 
and constituted, and by these I'resents Do Appoint and Con- 
stitute you the said William Woolsey Ensign of Captain James 
Talmages Company of Militia in the County of Dutchess, in 
the Eegiment whereof Eoswell Hopkins Esquire is Colonel. 

YOU are therefore, to take the said Company into your 
charge and care as Ensign thereof, and duly to exercise the 
Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby 
commanded to obey you as their Ensign and you are also to 
Observe and follow such Orders and Directions as you shall 
froiu time to time, receive from our General and Commander 
in chief of i]\c ^Filitia of our said State, or any other your 
Superioi' Ohicci-. According to the Eules and Discipline of War, 
in pursuance of the I'rust reposed in you : and for so doing 



lO-i History of Marlborough. 

this shall be YOUE C*0M:\n8SI0X, for and during our good 
pleasure, to be Signified by our Council of Appointment. IX 
TESTIMONY whereof we have caused our Seal for Military 
Commissions to be hereunto Atlixed. Witness our Trusty and 
well beloved George Clinton Esquire our Governor of our State 
of Xew York, General and Commander in chief of all the Mil- 
itia, and Admiral of the Xavy of the same, by and with the 
Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at 
Poughkeepsie the Twenty fifth day of June in the Second year 
of our Independence, and in the year of LOED one Thousand 
Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight. 

Passed the Secretarvs office Julv 4th 1778 

BY HIS EXCELLEXCY' COMMAXD. 

Geo. Clinton. 

AI)ri» B. Bancker Dy Secretary. 

The militia was virtually State troops. They could 
be called upon for service in the army by the proper 
authorities at any time, and in such cases the colonel 
of a regiment was ordered to furnish a certain number 
of troops for a certain pur])Ose, and the men were 
drafted from the whole number, and they in fact be- 
came as regular troops or the line of the army, after 
they were so drafted, for the time being. 

Anning Smith served as a lieutenant in Captain 
AVilliam Gross' Company, of Colonel Johannes Jan- 
sen's Regiment of New York Militia, from Ulster 
county, ordered out in the service of the United 
States, under the command of Colonel Pauling, June 
4, 1780. His name appears on a payroll dated at 
Hanover, March 4, 17S2. 



The Invasion of C^anada, 
The Continental Congress, in August, 1775, having 
determined upon the invasion of Canada, called upon 
New York to furnish four regiments of troops, among 
those furnished was the third (Ulster) Regiment, 
James Clinton, colonel. This regiment was well 



Marlborough in the Kevolution, 105 

armed and equipped. The uniform consisted of a 
gray coat with green cuffs and facings. The waist- 
coat was of Russia drilling reaching to the hips; the 
trousers were of drilling and of knee length;, thei 
stockings were long, reaching to the knee, were woolen, 
and of home knitting; the shoes were low; they wore 
linen cravats, and a low-crowned felt hat with a very 
broad brim. The regiments were distinguished from 
each other by the color of the coat and facings, each 
regiment consisting of ten companies. The officers 
of the Fourth company were: Lewis UuBois, captain; 
Elias Van Benschoten, Jr., first lieutenant; Andrew 
Lawrence, second lieutenant. The officers of the 
Tenth company were: Eobert Johnson, captain; 
Phili]) Du Bois Bevier, first lieutenant; William 
Martin, second lieutenant. 

The regiments for the invasion were brigaded under 
Greneral Montgomery of Dutchess county. In tire 
later part of August, 1775, they marched to Albany 
and there waited further directions. General Schuyler 
becoming sick on the march, Montgomery l)ecame 
lieacl of the division. He at once pressed forward, and 
though embarrassed liy lack of munitions and food, 
and by the disaffection of some of his command, had 
before the end of November captured successively 
Chambly, St. Johns, and Montreal, thus gaining the 
mastery over the greater part of the province. In 
the next month a junction was effected with Arnold 
before Quebec. The assault of the town was at once 
resolved upon and on December 31, shortly after mid- 
night, attempted, a snow-fall aiding the concealment 
of the troops' movements. One division was to 
direct its attack against the fortifications at the lower 
end of the town, while the other under Montgomery's 
command was to scale the Cape Diamond bastion. 
The surprise was complete, the British artillerists 
retreating after one discharge. Unhappily, Mont- 



106 History of Marlborough. 

gomery, who was pressing forward at the head of 
his troops, was instantly killed by this single fire, two 
of his aids falling with him. The undisciplined troops 
were paralyzed at the loss of their leader and a re- 
treat ensued. Congress, in recognition of Mont- 
gomery's services, ordered a monument erected in his 
honor in front of St. Paul's church, New York city, and 
in 1818 his remains were interred there with impressive 
ceremonies. The New York troops remained in and 
around the lower town of Quebec, (the British troops 
being entrenched in the upper town), and they were 
compelled to endure the trials and hardships of a 
winter campaign in that high latitude. It had been a 
march of hardship and exposure from the time they 
had left Albany until they connnenced their retreat in 
the si)ring, falling back from (Quebec over the route 
they had taken. It will be seen by the names of of- 
ficers given of the fourth and tenth companies that 
some were from this town and the rest from this 
vicinity, and there were a number of soldiers in this 
expedition from about here, in fact most of the sol- 
diers in the fourth and tenth companies were from this 
town and vicinity. It would appear that in this cam- 
paign, after they were driven back from their attack 
on the upper town, they had to fortify themselves in 
the lower town and vicinity, as they were virtually in 
a trap for the time being. They could not then re- 
treat, and had to obtain their supplies of food from 
the surrounding country, and such as could be trans- 
ported to them from the vicinity of Albany and Sche- 
nectady through the snows of winter and ahnost track- 
less forests. The army was unable to extricate itself 
and protect its retreat until spring began to open, and 
it is easy to imagine the sufferings and j^rivations of 
that winter campaign. The survivors of that memor- 
able and ill-fated expedition were wont to relate dur- 
ing the remainder of their lives the facts, circum- 



Maelboeough in the Eevolution. 107 



stances and incidents of wliat liad liappened to them 
what transpired upon the march to and from and at 
the siege of Quebec. 



Lewis DuBois and William Maetin. 

Lewis DnBois, born Septeml)er 14, 1728, was cap- 
tain in 1775; in Febrnary, 1776, he was major in the 
fonrth regiment at the seige of (,)uebec, where Gen- 
eral Montgomery was killed. James Clinton was 
colonel of the regiment. In the proceedings of Con- 
gress, 1776, I find as follows: '' Col. DuBois hath been 
well recommended to this Congress as an exceedingly 
good officer capable of commanding a regiment with 
credit to himself and credit to his country." And he 
was authorized to raise the fifth regiment of the line, 
which he did, and was commissioned as colonel by 
Congress to rank from the 25th day of June, 1776. 
He was at the battle of Fort Montgomery and other 
places; he resigned on the 22d day of December, 1779. 

William Martin was second lieutenant in 1775, and 
second and first lieutenant in 1776, upon the invasion 
of Canada and siege of Quebec. On the 8tli of Jan- 
uary, 1776, the Continental Congress issued its first 
call for troops for the purpose of reinforcing the 
army in Canada. Under this call Ulster county fur- 
nished one company, of which William Martin of New 
Marlborough was captain. In connection with this I 
find the following: 

Proceedings of the Continental Cong-ress, Feb. 15, ir:(i. 

" Eeceived a letter from Thomas Palmer inclosing an agree- 
ment and the name of a numl)er of (.5?) men who have agreed 
to enlist under :\Ir. William Martin as their Captain in the 
troops to be raised for tlie defence of this Colony, as also an 
extract of the proceedings of the Committee of N"e^y :\rarl bor- 
ough, approving of, and recommending tlie said William Martin 
as a Captain in the said t?-oop to l)e raised, which was rend.'" 



108 History of Marlboeough, 



There is no question but that 'Colonel Lewis Du- 
Bois and Captain Martin were the prominent soldiers 
of this town in the Revolutionary War, though many 
others did good and faithful service, the records of 
whom have been given as far as I could. It is hard at 
this late day to trace them all out, and properly 
specify their services. Colonel Lewis DuBois was a 
man of means and ])rominence, and had many re- 
cruits from this i)recinct, and that some were killed 
and wounded in Canada and at Forts Clinton and 
Montgomery. 1 find that the amount raised for the 
poor in 1778 had increased from a small amount in 
the year previous to 125 pounds, and it had increased 
in Newburgh from 50 pounds to 800 pounds; and 
'^ special donations were collected for such poor 
whose husbands or parents were killed or taken pris- 
oners at Fort Montgomery." A part of Colonel Can- 
tine's regiment, the third of the line, was from this 
l^art of the country, but their names cannot all be 
traced; and then some from tliis town served in other 
regiments. William Woolsey was an ensign in 1778 
in Kosweil Hopkin's regiments of Dutchess county; 
Daniel Woolsey and Henry Woolsey were privates in 
Cantine's regiment; John, John Jr. and Josiah 
Woolsey were in Thomas's regiment; Nathan, William 
and Noah A\'oo]sey were in Hopkins's regiment. 

John Peck, John Khodes, John Wilson, John Hains, 
Andrew Ely, John and Nathaniel Gee, John and Nath- 
aniel Harcourt, Nathaniel Hull, Allen Lester, John, 
Eichard and Samuel Lewis, Alexander, Alexander, Jr., 
and CUiarles Mackey, George Merritt, Joseph and 
James Plumstead, William Purely, Dennis Eelyea, 
William Scott, Jacob, Joseph and Jonathan Terwil- 
ligar, Michael and John Wygant, Timothy Wood, 
Jacob Degroot, Jonathan Woolsey, John Case, and 
Joseph Rhodes are said to have served in the fifth 






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Marlborough in the Kevolution. 109 

regiment of the line, under Lewis DuBois, and all are 
supposed to have been from New Marlborough, 

Joseph Rhodes, who died more than fifty years ago 
and who will perhaps be remembered by the older 
I)eople, was on account of his bravery and conduct, 
offered the appointment of sergeant of his company. 
He had to refuse the same as he could neither read 
or write. It was a source of much grief to him all 
his life; he never spoke of it witliout tears in his eyes. 
T have s]3ent much time in searching out these names 
and I am quite sure there are many more. 



DuBois' Regiment. 

DuBois' regiment, the fifth of the line, was raised 
about tliis and adjoining counties. Its field and staff 
at organization w-in-e: 

Lewis DuBois, Colonel; Jacobus S. Bruyn, Lieut. Colonel; 
Samuel Logan, Major; Henry DuBois, Adjutant; Albert Pawl- 
ing, Aid-Major; Nehemiah Carpenter, Qr. Master; Saml. Town- 
send, Paymaster; John Gano, Cha})lain; Samuel Cooke, Sur- 
geon; Ebenezer Hutchinson, Surgeons Mate. 

Captains — 1. Co. Jacobus Rosekrans; 2. James Stewart; 
3. Amos Hutchins; 4. Philip DuBois Bevier; 5. Thomas Lee; 
G. Henry Goodwin; 7. John F. Hamtraek; 8. Jolm Johnson. 

First Lieutenants— 1 Co. Henry Dodge; 2. Alexander Mc- 
Arthur; 3. Patton Jackson; 4. Michael Connelly; 5. Henry 
Pawling; 6. Solomon Pendelton; 7. Francis Hammer; 8. Henry 
W. Vanderberg. Henry Pawling was transferred to the regi- 
ment from Gansevort's. 

Second Lieutenants — 1 Co. Sanmel Dodge; 2. John Burnett: 

3. John Furmaii; 4. ; 5. Samuel English: 

G. Ebenezer Mott : 7. ; 8. James Betts. 

Tlie changes subsequently made are omitted. 

The regiment was stationed in the spring of 1777 
at Forts Clinton, Montgomery and Constitution in 
the Highlands, on garrison duty, and was there on 



110 History of Marlborough. 

the 6tli of October, wlien the forts were captured by 
the British forces. This was the first engagement 
which the regiment experienced. Lient.-Col. Bruyn, 
Major Logan, and Quartermaster Carpenter, Captain 
Goodman, Lients. McArthur, Jackson, Pauling, 
Pendleton, Dodge, Furman and Mott ; Ensigns Swart- 
wout, McClaughrev and Legg, and Sergeant Henry 
Schoonmaker, were taken prisoners. About 100 pri- 
vates were killed, captured or missing. The regiment 
lost nearly all their camp equipments and clothing. 
DuBois with the balance of his men marched with 
Gov. Clinton to Kingston at the time it was burned; 
in the winter following the regiment was in camp at 
Pishkill, and were in a very deplorable condition for 
want of clothing, blankets, etc. In July, 1778, the 
regiment was at AVhite Plains; in 1779 it was with 
Gen. James Clinton in the Sullivan campaign against 
the Indians, and then was stationed at Fort Stanwix 
in the Mohawk valley — afterward divided up with 
other regiments. 



Capt. Jacob Wood's Order. 

Newborough 13th of August 1777. 

A List of the Exempts In Capt Wood Company of militia 
with the Sum they are IJated Anexed to their Xames. 

£ S 

Micajali Lewis 2 8 

Nathaniel Hull 2 

John Ayres 2 8 

Jonathan Brown • • 6 8 

Benjamin AVoolsey 2 8 

Abraham La.wsing 2 8 

John Caverlv 3 12 

Charles :\Laekey 1 -^ 

Peter Delue 2 8 

Job St. John 1 ^ 

Johji Young i 8 

Jacob Latting 1 1 




.\^sl;ss^rE^■T ix Capt. Wood's CoirpAXY. 



Marlborough in the Revolution. Ill 



Jeremiah Smith . 
Bichard C'arpenter 
Obadiah Pahner . , 
Benjamin Wortli . 
Stephen Dugless . 
Charles Hiil)s . . . , 
David Adorns . . . . 
John Shulfihl . . . , 
Elijha Adoms . . . , 
Edward Hallock . 
Elijah Hallock . . , 
Charles Mackey . . 
Thomas Brown .. . 
Samnel Hallock . . 
Abel Adoms 



t'GG IG 

If any of the Exempts prefers Stand a Draft Rather than 
pay their money then Let them appear and Draft according to 
Eesolve of Congress. 



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Xewmolborongh 15 of August 1777. 

To George Stanton & John Davis, Sergents you are hereby 
Commanded forthwith to Eepair to Each ot the within Exempts 
and Demand the Sum anexed to each mans Xame In vour 
District Wliich Is all South of Bond pattint 

If any of the within Exempts Eefusees to pay the Sum 
Demanded you are to proceed Next monday morning & deteach 
a guard and Destrain of ther goods or Chatties and Deliver the 
Same at my house at 1 oClock In the afterXoon that may be 
Exposed to sail at the head of the Company - 

Hereof Fail Not. Given Under my hand' Jacob Wood Capt. 

I desire you would warn the men that was Not with us at fort 
montgomery to appear on mcnday at 1 oClock. 

It is quite hard to understand some things about 
this ancient document. Jacob Wood was the captain, 
and he appears to have had quite a number of ex- 
empts, twenty-seven, or men claiming to be such, in 
his company. From the names, we see that most of 
them were Quakers, and on principle opposed to war, 
and quite likely refused to serve as soldiers. 



Ill' History of Marlborough. 



I cannot find by what authority the captain could 
late and assess them and some are rated much higher 
than the rest. Samuel HalJock, tlie Quaker preacher, 
must pay seven pounds eight shillings. Two ser- 
geants were s-ent out to '' Demand the Sum annexed 
to each Name." If they refused to pay, the ser- 
geants were ordered to put a guard over them, and 
to destrain tlieir goods and deliver them to the cap- 
tain's house " that they may be Exposed to Sail at 
tlie head of the (k:)mpany. " This would look like a 
very high-handed ])iece of business, to put a guard 
over a person, carry his goods away, turn out the 
company, and sell the goods at public sale. I can 
account for it in no other way except by martial law, 
or that the captain of a company had almost unlimited 
power. If they did not want to " pay their money '* 
then they could stand a draft, under a resolution of 
Congress. The captain probably got the money all 
right, as these people would pay before they would 
fight. He also had other trouble, as some of his men 
did not turn out to go to Fort Montgomery; for he 
directs his sergeants to warn the men that were not 
with the company at the Fort to appear at his house. 
We are not told what for, but it was for some sort of 
punishment. The paper gives the district to be 
notified as south of the Bond patent, so it was from 
the river and Sturgeon's corner through to Lattin- 
town, though his company district was all the north 
part of the town. 

(/apt. Wood had a farm and a dock at the river, 
where he built sloops, and carried on other business. 
He was a good, loyal man, deserved well from his 
country, and did much good in the cause. He was 
one of the chief men in the town in his time; I find 
his name in many places. 



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Marlborough in the Revolution. 113 



Captain Jacob Wood Vindicated. 

Fort Montgomery 31 May 177 7 
A court of inquiry by Gen. George Clinton whereof Lieut. 
Col. McCloughry is President. 

Present Members. 
Major Houghteling Lieut. Johnson 

Capt. De AVitt " Vaneer 

" Falkner ' " Eosencrance 

" Hardenburgh " Monnell 

" Tilford " Moffat 

Lieut. Hunter " Hardenl)urgh 

(.'apt. Conklin Judge Advocate. 

The memljers being Duly Sworn also the President. Capt. 
Jacol) Wood being Brought before the Court and Charg'd by 
Elijah Lewis for Disobeying Orders and Particularly in Draft- 
ing his Qato of men for the Present Service. After the Alliga- 
tions and Evidence it Appears to the Court that Capt. Jacob 
Wood has been Maliciously and Wrongly Us*d and that he has 
Discharged his Duties as a good and faithful Officer agreeable 
to his Orders. 

JAMES McCLAGHRY, Lieut. Col. 

President. 



(tener.^l Vaughn's Expedition up the River. 
On the night of October 6, 1777, Forts Clinton and 
Montgomery had been taken, and some soldiers of 
this town had been killed, some wounded and some 
taken prisoners. The chain and boom across the 
river at West Point, having been destroyed, the river 
was open for the possession of the enemy, and it was 
thought by them that some assistance might be ren- 
dered to Burgoyne, who was surrounded at Saratoga 
by the American troops, or that a diversion might be 
made in liis favor; so, preparatory to the expedition, 
Gen. Vaughn, on the 11th of October, sent Sir James 
Wallace uj) from the Highlands with a galley, a 
schooner and three other vessels to reconnoitre the 
river, and they proceeded up as far as the Smith mills 



114 History of Marlborough. 

at Milton, and then returned, having burned Van 
Buren's milJs and several other buildings on the other 
side of the river and some old vessels along shore, 
that could not get out of the way. On the 14th, the 
British fleet, consisting of several armed vessels, 
twenty galleys and flatboats and about 1,600 men left 
Peekskill and sailed up the river, and though the peo- 
ple -expected something to happen, they were hardly 
prepared to see so large a fleet with cannon and 
armed men. The vessels passed here on the morning 
of the 15th and dropped anchor a few miles south of 
Kingston in the afternoon which they burned the next 
day. They went as far north as Saugerties, and re- 
turning, passed here on the evening of the 19tli. 
During this time between the time tliey went up and 
returned the people here were very much worried and 
troubled, and great fear was entertained that the 
troops might land and plunder and destroy property. 

Captain C^ase was out with his com})any patrolling 
the shore and watching their movements. The Com- 
mittee of Safety were on the alert, but they had no 
means of defense; they advised the people to take 
their property and move Imck into the country, which 
many did, taking their families, their stock and valu- 
ables with them; and they hid and buried much of 
their property in the woods. To add to the terror, 
many shots were fired from the vessels on their way 
up at the DuBois house at Marlborough, now owned 
by John Rusk, and at the Anning Smith house at 
Milton, now owned by Anning Smith, the great- 
grandson. 

These places were said to have been pointed out l^y 
the tories on the vessels as being owned l)y promi- 
nent rebels. The houses were not struck, but solid 
shot has been picked up around them sinc-e. 



Marlborough in the Kevolution. 115 



Some of the more venturesome watcliecl the prog- 
ress of the fleet from sheltered points about the shore. 
News soon spread that Kingston was burned and the 
fleet returning; then the terror and confusion knew 
no bounds. The people here were sure they were to 
be the next victims; there was very little sleep on the 
nights of the IStli and 19th ; people were riding about 
on horseback; teams were hitched up, goods being 
packed and loaded, but during the night of the 19th, 
news came that the vessels were passing down the 
river without any indication of stopping. The next 
few days were busy times for the people, moving back 
and getting to rights. They could well be pardoned 
for their fear; there was defeat and destruction all 
about them. Some of their relatives and neighbors 
had been killed and some wounded; and they were 
entirely helpless and unprotected. 

It has always been claimed about here that certain 
tories of this place were with the British and assisted 
them to pilot up the river; this tradition has been 
handed down from one generation to another, but there 
is nothing authentic about it. There are other tradi- 
tions al)out this expedition, Init they are not known 
to be correct. We can easily imagine what a relief it 
must have been to the people when the last ship dis- 
appeared down the river. No part of the town was 
ever invaded by the -enemy ; the nearest they ever got 
were at the places above mentioned. 

When Brant and his Indians massacred the soldiers 
who went out from Goshen to meet him at Minesink 
on the Delaware, there was another scare, but it soon 
subsided, as Brant got no farther. 

Yet still our ancestors had their troubles; there 
was war and rumors of war all the time; they were 
taxed to the limit; their property pressed into the 
service, and many of their men were in the service of 
the country and much of their lands uncultivated. 



IIG History of Marlborough. 



Yet they were true and loyal to the cause and their 
rejoicing Avas great at the favorable termination of 
the war when it came. 

Before General Vaughn's expedition passed here 
on its return, it had become known about the town 
that General Burgoyne had surrendered his army at 
Saratoga ; and the fear of the people that they might 
have trouble from tlie enemy was soon followed by 
rejoicing at the surrender of the northern army. The 
news was proclaimed far and near, and people flocked 
to Lattintown from miles back in the country. The 
rejoicing and celebration was kept up until there was 
nothing left at Lattintown to drink except water. 

The defeats at Forts Montgomery and Clinton and 
the burning of Kingston were soon followed by the 
surrender to the Americans of the great English army 
with all its equipments, wdiich was considered by 
many of our devout people as a special interposition 
of Divine Providence. Many were the prayers of 
thanksgiving and ])raise that ascended to Heaven 
from a grateful people on this occasion. 



Lieutenant Eose Cashiered for Insubordination. 

At a General Court Martial held at the House of Widow 
Hills near Good Will Meeting House Ulster County on Friday 
21 Feb. 1777. 

Present Col. Woodhull President. 
Col. Snyder Maj. Wynkoop 

Lieut. Col. Jansen Capt. Salsbury 

Maj. Jansen Capt. Yancuren 

Maj. Cantine Capt. Galespie 

Maj. Popno Capt. McBride 

Maj. Philips v 

Came on for Tryal of Lieut. Jacobus Eose of Capt. Has- 
brouck's Co., Col. Paulmer's Eeg't of Ulster County, who Stands 
Charged before the Court of Eefusing to obey the orders of a 
Superior officer, when ordered to detach by Ballot the Quoto of 
Men of his Com'y for Service on 23 Scp'r Last and also disobey- 
ing: at other times. 



Marlborough in the Eevolution. 117 



To which Charge the said Lieut. Rose pleads guilty and 
further declares in the presence of this Court that he will not 
obey the order of drafting men by Ballot in future. 

Capt. IIasl)rouck Deposed and said That Lieut. Eose never 
appeared to liini to be unfriendly, luit his General Character 
is Eather unfriendly to the States that he Commonly associates 
himself with those People that is Disaffected and suspected of 
being Eeally friends * * * Maj. John Cantine deposed That 
sometime in Sept. Last Lieut. Jacobus Eose * * * was 
ordered by this deponant, agreeable to a Eesolution of the Con- 
vention of this State to detach Six men by Ballot being the 
Quote of the Company he then Commanded. But absolutely 
Eefused to do so though several times requested l)y this Depon- 
ant, also Eefused to Eaise his Quote another time, notwith- 
standing this deponant held out to him under what sollemn 
Trust of Honour and Eeligion, he had oldigated himself to 
obey his su])erior officers at the time he Eeceived his Com- 
mission. * * * 

The Court taking into Consideration the Case of Lieut. Eose 
* * * and from liis Confession together Avith the Evidence 
do find him guilty of the within charge and Adjudge him the 
said Lieut. Eose to l)e CUishired, and to pay a Fine of Thirty 
pounds and also 1)0 Eendered Incapal)le of ever bearing a 
Commission again in this State. 

The "Within is the Proceedings of the Tryal of Lieut. Eose. 

Attest. 

JESSE AVOODHULL. President. 

JoHX Hatiiorx 

Judffe Advocate 



NeW' Marlboeougii • 2G April, 1T77. 

Taken up by Lieut. Potter and brought before the Committee 
of 'New ]\rarlborough, Samuel Towndson Depositions of El)en- 
ezer St. John and Andrew Ayres, ^Against Samuel Towndson. 

Appeared before this Committee Ebenezer St. John, and made 
oath that he heard the said Samuel Towndson say that after 
being warned he Did not Care for their Orders, and would not 
be Eunning after tlieir Damned Nonsense. He was asked if he 
was not willing to obey Orders, and he Swore he would not, 
and Eode Eound Mr. Freyer that was Discoursing with him 
in a way of Eidicule, and asked the said Freyer if he was not 
ashamed of going upon Such a Foolish Errand, as he had been 
to alarm iho Colonics and inhal)itants of Concerning those 



118 History of Marlboitough. 



Tories now gone off. He said if lie had alarmed five hundred 
he wouhl not be al)le to take them. Andrew Ayres standing 
by tokf the said Towndson that he would take them with twenty- 
five men if he could come at them, and said Towndson told 
Ayres that he might take twenty-five of the ))est of his Damned 
AVigs and he would bring twenty-five men that should meet 
liim u])on Lattig Town ])lain and fight it out witl) him. and 
insisted upon Ayres Entering into l)onds to meet him. which 
Ayres did not choose to do. And further this Deponant Saith 
not. 

EBEXEZEPt ST. JOHX 

Personally appeared before this Committee, Andrew Ayres, 
and made oath and Saieth that he was discoursing 
with ]\lr. Preyer Concerning the Toryes, Shooting Jonathan 
Terwillegar, and taking the said Preyer's Brother. The said 
Towndson being present, was asked by Preyer why he did not 
come to assist to take them. He told him he was warned to 
appear but not when nor he did not care when. Tlie said 
Towndson demanded of Preyer where he had l)een and he said 
Towndson told him he had been to Alarm the County and he 
said five hundred would not take them. 

The said Ayres told him that he would engage to l)e one of 
the twenty-five that would take them. The said Towndson said 
he might take twenty-five of the Ijest of his Wigs, and he would 
take as many Tories and meet him on the Plain at Latting 
Town and Pight it out for which he offered to Stake money or 
draw Bonds for Pifty Pounds, and further Saith not. 

ANDREW AlERS. 



It would appear from the above proceedings that 
tories were being enlisted into the service of the 
English, that the town committee had issued orders 
for the peoi)le to turn out to intercept them, that 
Freyer had been riding around notifying, and that 
Towndson after having been notified to turn out, had 
refused to do so, and that together with his conduct 
afterward had prompted the committee to order Lieut. 
Potter to arrest liim and bring him before the com- 
mittee; and it would appear from the following peti- 



Marlborough in the Revolution. Hi) 

tion wliich Towiidson makes, that the committee hehl 
and imprisoned him. 



Petition of Samuel Townsend. 

To the Honorable the Council of Safety for the State of 
New York in Conncil convened. 

The Petition of Samuel Townsend of Xew Marlborough 
precinct and State of New York Contined on Board the vessel 
at the strand of Kingston for being thought an enemy of this 
State Hunil)ly showeth, That ye petitioner some time ago 
being intoxicated in Liquor inadvertantly fell into company 
with a person, and jockingly said to him that he inight l)ring 
five and twenty Damd Wigs against five and twenty Tories 
and that the Tories would beat them there on the plain where 
they then was (at a place called Lating Town) for which a 
Complaint was entered to the Committee of New ^Iarll)orough 
and ye petitioner was committed to gaol for the same. That 
ye petitioner is sensible that what he said and did he ought not 
to have done and is very sorry for the same and he should not 
have acted in that manner had he lieen in his sober hours 
* * * May 15, 17? 7. 

SAMUEL TOWXSEND. 

Townsend was tried on April 26; on April 30, he 
making the following petition: 

To the Honral)le the Eepresentatives of the State of New 
York In Convention Assembled. 

The Petition of Samuel Townsend Humblv Sheweth 
That yr petitioner is at present Confined in the Common 
Gaol of Kingston for Being thought unfriendly to the American 
States That yr petitioner some few Days ago went from Home 
upon some Business & happened to Gett a Little Intoxicated in 
Liquor, .and upon his Peturn home. Inadvertantly fell in Com- 
pany upon the Poad with a ])erson unknown to yr petitioner 
& Discoursing and Joking about the Torries passing through 
there & Esca))ing this ])erson says to yr petitioner that if he had 
been with tlie wigs tliey shouhl not have Escaped so, Inadver- 
tantly and by way of Boasting, that he would have Done Great 
Feets as a Tory coiihl not look a whig in the face, to which 
your petitioner being nici'iy and in Liiiuor. WantonJy and in a 
Bantering manner tohl bini that in the Lane throu<>-h which 



120 History of Marlborough. 



they were then Riding five & twenty wigs would not Beat five 
& twenty Torries & Joking togather tliey ])avted & yr petitioner 
tliought no more of it, since he lias Been taken np and (^onfined, 
as lie supposes on the above joke. 

Being concouss to himself of iiis not committing any Crime 
or of being unfriendly to the American Cause worthy of punish- 
ment * '^ * 

That yr petitioner is Extremely sorry for what he may have 
said and hopes his Intoxication & Looseness of his Tongue will 
Be forgiven by this Honorable C*onvention as it would not have 
been expressed by him in his sober Hours: That yr petitioner 
has a wife and two Children and a hel]dess mother all which 
must Be supported by his Laliour & should he be kept confined 
in tbis time his family must unadvoidably sufTer through want 
as yr ])etitioner is but of Indigint Circumstances and fully 
conceives it is Extremely hard to keep him confined to the Great 
Distress of his family as well as Grief of yr petitioner. Yr 
petitioner therefore humldy prays that this Honorable Con- 
vention would Be favorably pleased to take the premises under 
their serious consideration so as that yr petitioner may be 
relieved and Discharged from his Confinement or such Belief 
as to the Honorable House shall seem meet and yr ])('titioner 
will ever pray. 

Kingston Gaol April 'M) ITT 7. 

sA:\rrEL towxsexd. 

From this i)etitioii it would appear Townsend got 
into jail very soon after his arrest, and he was not 
suited with his conditions. It is somewhat similar to 
his other petition made afterward and most likely for 
the same offense, and if this he so, it would indicate 
that tlve tories at this time went through Lattintown 
and escaped. It was probal)ly the same, transaction. 
It is hard to reconcile all the facts and the reader 
must judge for himself, as I give all I have. 



Petition of Elizabeth "\Vigc4INS. 

To the Honoral)le the C*onvention of the State of Xew York. 

The Petition of Elizabeth Wiggins Humbly Showeth That 
notwithstanding Stejihen Wiggins The Husband of yr Petitioner 
is supposed to he with the Ministerial Army which in Fact may 



Marlboeough in the Kevolution. 121 



be the Case vet the seizing of the whole of his Personal Prop- 
erty which in Fact is all the Estate he conld call his own as 
matters stands Truly Circumstances in a more common Hard- 
ship on your Petitioner, as your Petitioner is able to prove by 
good Authority that her Husband went off Intentionally against 
her will and advice, That her two sons Remain at home with her 
Disapproved much of their Fathers going off, also as they are of 
age have from time to time when called upon Cheerfully done 
their duty in the Militia. * * * Yr Petitioner is a poor 
woman with a large family of small Children and can now 
Barely support them, with the help of her sons and what little 
Stock of Cattle she had, which stock is now seized by order 
of your Honorable House * * * Your Petitioner therefore 
Immbly prays that your Honorable House will l)e pleased to 
take the Case of your Poor distressed Petitioner as al)ove 
Petition into consideration as well as the care of her two sons, 
and allow them the use of the whole, or at least a part of the 
Estate so seized and give orders to the gentlemen appointed 
to make Sale thereof accordingly. But in case you shall think 
Proper Notwithstanding to continue the Sale your Petitioner 
most earnestly prays that she may be allowed the use of one cow, 
and her riding mare which she purchased since her Husband's 
Absence, and Prays that in C*ase the Property is Sold that her 
Sons may be discharged from Militia Duty as she will then have 
no other Dependance than the daily Labor of said sons for the 
support of herself and large familv * * * 

April 24 1777 ELIZABETH WIGGIXS 

P. S. We the subscribers being Perfectly acquainted with the 
above Petitioner and think it highly reasonable that the Hon- 
orable Convention be pleased to grant the prayer of the above 
]'etitioner. 

Witness our hands the date above 

LEWIS DUBOIS, Major 
STEPHEN CASE Captain 
JACOB WOOD Captain 

This is easily understood. Wiggins had left his family 
and gone off and enlisted with the enemy. His prop- 
erty had been seized by the Commissioners of Con- 
fiscation, and his wife was making this strong appeal 
to the highest State authority; it is an earnest and 
eloquent appeal and shows the great distress under 
which she labored. Our officers here, DuBois and the 



122 History of Marlborough. 



rest, indorsed the petition and tried to help her. I do 
not find the result, but it is quite likaly she got the 
])roi)erty. 



Lewis DuBois' Court Martial. 

At A General Court ^lartial held at Fort ^Montgomery A))ril 
30, 1T7T, Agreeal)le lo the Orders of his Honor Brigadier 
General George Clinton, dated the said oO Day of April, for 
ihe trial of all such Persons, as shall come before them, charged 
^vith Leveying War against the State of Xew York within the 
same, adhering to the King of Great Britten, enlisting Soldiers 
and being enlisted as a Soldier in the Service of the King of 
Great Britten, and owing Allegiance or deriving protection from 
the Laws of the State of Xew York. 

Present (\)1. DnBois President. 
Capt. Eosecrans ('apt. Gonklin 

Stewart Milligan 

Lee "Wincura 

Bevier McBride 

Goodwin Dewitt 

Nieoll Schoomaker 

Tilford Lieut. Post 

Hardenl)ergh " Hunter 

Hasljronck 

('a])tain Lnsk as Judge Advocate. 
After several other cases had l)een taken nji. Jacobus Rose 
was Iii'ougiit the court. He plead " Guilty " to the 1, 2 & -i 
charges, to the -h] " Xot Guilty." and confessed: ""That one 
David j\k-Given a ('a])t. in Gol. Faning's Pegimcnt told him that 
every man wlio enlisted in the King's Service should have 100 
acres of land and each of his children should have 50. and five 
pounds bounty and Pay from the time of enlistment to the 
Discharge * * * . That he told the ^len he engaged to 
enlist tliat Gol. Fanning told him that they had only their 
Government to Glear, That Gov. Tryon was to be their General. 
That lie (pose) gave orders to his men to load their guns and 
Defend themselves if necessary. That the second Time he went 
to Xew York he carried IT men with him * * * That he had 
33 or 34 men with him at this time. That he left Xew York 
about 20 davs a 2:0. 



Maklbokough in the Revolution. 123 

" Arthur ]\IeKinnev being l)roiight before the court charged 
holding 1st correspondence with and giving Intelligence to the 
Enemy, 2d giving them aid and comfort '' to both of which lie 
pleads '' Xot Guilty."" 

" The Prisoner l)eing examined says that some time Saturday 
Xight last Eose and his Party came to his farm, that he (the 
Prisoner) gave them food, and that his wench informed Eose 
that the ^lelitia were in pursuit of them and that he (the 
Prisoner) afraid that Eose or his Party would Burn his Barn if 
he (the Prisoner) discovered them, and that Eose Begged him 
not to Discover them which he Did not Do * * * That he 
knew Eose to be an othcer and if he (Hose) should be taken 
would be Hanged and (he the prisoner) said he Did not like to 
have Eose's Blood on his hands but further Says he was inno- 
cent of their coming. 

Isaac Lockwood was In'ought before the C*ourt (Miai'ged with a 
Crime for attempting to Join the Enemy, Pleads Xot Guilty. 

The Prisoner Ijeing p]xamined says that he (the Prisoner) was 
persuaded by Silas Gardiner to go to Xew York. * * * 

Silas Gardiner charged with Levying War against the United 
States of America for holding Correspondence and aiding 
and Assisting the Enemies of the said States Pleads not 
'Guilty. * * * 

Many cases were tried by this court martial. Gen- 
eral Clinton on the 30th day of April, 1777, issned an 
order convening the court. On the same day in the 
morning the court met and the proceedings of the 
court say: 

The Court having Sat till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the 
Guard house crowded with Prisoners and the court resolved that 
an immediate Exami)le was necessary and requisite to deter 
intestine Enemys from continuing Treasonalde Practices against 
the State, and it being also prol)al)le that this Post would soon 
be beseiged l)y the enemy. The court adjourned until 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon. It then resumed and continued until a lojig 
time in the night. The court was continued the next day, and, 
in these two days, fourteen men were adjudged to suffer the 
"Pains and Penalties of Dealb. by l)eing lianged l)y the neck 
until thev are dead." 



124 History of Marlborough. 

Others were sentenced to different terms of im- 
prisonment, some discharged. " Isaac Lockwood was 
sentenced to be Confined in a Common Goal During 
the Present War with the King of Great Britten or 
Until he shall be Released l)y i)roper Antliority.'" 
This was a most remarkable court martial. It sur- 
passes in the amount of work done, large numl)er of 
people tried and the number of men sentenced to 
death, any court martial during the Revolution. In 
fact its equal cannot he found at any time in the 
annals of this country. Such sunnnary trial and pro- 
ceedings have never been heard even in Russia. 

DuBois must have been a man of much decision of 
character and firmness, and not to be turned from his 
duty by any sentiments of sym})athy and mercy. The 
facts and evidence were very strong against these 
men. Some of them had been captured with arms in 
tlieir hands and they had made armed resistance. 
They were marching through the country armed and 
equipped with the intention of joining the English 
troops at New York city. Men from all over the State 
had already joined the enemy, and it had become 
necessary in order to deter enlistments in the British 
army, that summary and stern measures should be 
made to prevent such enlistments. It was demoraliz- 
ing patriots in the field, and it was discouraging to 
the people who were trying to maintain the war 
against the invaders. The men who constituted this 
court martial were good and true men, and undoubt- 
edly did their duty as they understood it. Most oil 
them afterward 1)ecame prominent in the communities 
in which they lived, and many of them afterward held 
positions of honor and trust in the State. Some of 
the best families in this county and State are de- 
scended from these men. 

In the courts of law of this State, and the other 
States it has sometimes taken weeks to convict a man 



Marlborough in the Eevolution. 125 



■of murder even when it was known from the begin- 
ning that he was guilty, but this court was not dis- 
posed to spend much time and sympathy upon men 
whom they considered and knew to be guilty from the 
start. This court martial must have had a very 
salutary effect, as very little was heard of the tories 
about this county after this. 



No Consideration to be Shown Traitors. 

Gen. Cliutou bisisis tliat examples he made of them 
to deter otliers from. foUowiug tlieir examples. 



Fort Montgomery 2d ]\Iay 1TT7. 
Dear Sir^ 

Inclosed I tran^^mit to the Honoral)lo the Convention the 
Proceedings of a General Conrt Martial at this Post for the 
Tryal of Jacobus Eose and sundry other Persons charged with 
Treason against the "State. The Conduct of many of these 
Traitors are so daring and Insolent that a sudden and severe 
Example to me seems absolutely necessary to deter others from 
the commission of like Crimes and I am persuaded to suffer 
these to escape with impunity would be Cruelty in the End. 
There are many others yet untried for want of evidence in the 
Guard House liere which occasion double guards and greatly 
adds to the Fatigue of the Soldiery already overburdened with 
th(^ Works necessary for the Defence of the Post. 

These reasons and the Trouble they would necessarily be to 
us in Case of an Attack induces me to wish a speedy -Answer 
from the Convention. The Inhabitants are so much iritated 
by the Conduct of the Prisoners in marching armed m a Body 
to join the Enemy that I fear they will soon take the Law in 
their own hands against them * * * 

You will observe that Gardiner & some others of the Prison- 
ers were not of Pose's party & that Gardiner pleads in his De- 
fence a Certificate of his having taken the Oath of x\llegiance 
before the Commissioners for detecting Conspiricies since the 
Commissions of his Crimes which the Court however concluded 
was obtained artfully & through misinformation & indeed that 
it was out of the Line of the Commissioners' dutv * * * 



126' History of Marlborough. 



You observe by the Examination of Rose & his Party sundry 
of them left him went Home & are not yet taken wlio oiiglit 
to be immediately apprehended. 

I am with due Respect vour Obed't Serv't 

GEO. CLIXTOX. 
To President of Convention. 



General Clinton about the Tories. 

Fort ^Montgomery 4th May 1777. 
Dear Sir, 

Indorsed I send 3'ou a List (List not found) of the Traitors 
who were going to Join our Country's Enemies in Xew York, 
under the Directions of Jacobus Rose together with a List of 
the Xames of Persons who have knowingly assisted & abetted 
them. On the list I have noted such as we have taken, the 
others are yet missing and as I have Reason to believe that not 
more than five were killed the Rest must yet be hiding about 
the country and it is essential to the Internal Peace & Safety 
of the Country that this wicked Banditte should be entirely 
broken up. I think too much Pains can not be taken to appre- 
hend or destroy them. I have parties out after them * * *^ 

Your M'st Obd't Serv't 

GEORGE CLIXTOX. 
To the Hon. President of the Convention 

of the State of Xew York. 



Jacobus Eose. 
I find that the Tories who got some of the people in 
these troubles were Jacobus Eose and his men. It 
appears that he was engaged in recruiting men in this 
and adjoining towns for enlistment in the British 
amiy at New York city. It appears by his confes- 
sion, that he had taken seventeen men to New Y'ork 
city at one time, and the next time he took thirty-three 
or thirty-four men. This was during the time that 
Freyer had been to warn the colonies and inhabi- 
tants, and Townsend had refused to turn out to assist 



Marlborough in the Eeyolution. 127 

to take them. I find that he took his men to Arthur 
McKinney's one night and quartered them in his 
barn, and made the people get victuals for them. 
McKinney was arrested on account thereof and was 
charged with holding correspondence with and giving 
intelligence to the enemy and giving them aid and 
comfort. He was brought before the committee and 
sent for trial before a court martial at Fort Mont- 
gomery, of which Col. Lewis DuBois was president, 
and was convicted and imprisoned. Rose went 
through Lattintown with his men and got them safely 
to the English army; but it appears that the next 
time he tried it he was arrested with his men and 
taken before the court martial at Fort Montgomery 
for trial, April 30, 1777. He was charged first, with 
levjdng war against the State of New York; second, 
with adhering to the King of Great Britain; third, 
with -enlisting men in the service of the King, and 
fourth, with being enlisted in the service himself.. He 
pleaded not guilty to the third charge of enlisting-^ 
men. He was convicted and sentenced " to be hanged 
by the neck until he was dead." He made the follow- 
ing petition. 

Petition of Jacobus Eose and Jacob Middagh, To the Hon- 
orable the Committee of the State of New York, The Humble- 
Petition of two unhappy Prisoners now by order of your House 
under sentence to be hanged this Day Most Humbly Showeth 
That although their conscience dotli not in the least accuse tliem 
of being guilty of any sin against God or their country by 
doing what they are condemned to suffer Death for, yet your- 
Petitioners are heartily sorry for having incurred the Dis- 
pleasure of your House in so sensible a manner. That as sinful 
men, it is an awful and Dreadful thought to be so suddenly 
sent to Eternity without any time to repent of the Sins of our 
Past Lives and to make our peace with that God, who must 
finally judge us all for the deeds done in the flesh ; that there- 
fore to prepare for this great and awful trial, Your Petitioners 
most Humbly Ijeg tliat they may have a Eespite of a few Days,. 



128 History of Marlborough. 

and Your Petitioners as in Duty l)oun(l shall in the meantime 

earnestly pray. 

JACOBUS ROSE 
JACOB MTDDAGH 

Kingston, May loth, 1T77 

The petition was rejected. I do not know as Rose 
was a resident of this town but he was recruiting men 
liere and all a])out the surrounding country, and ap- 
pears to have got himself and many people in troulile. 
Rose and Middagh were hanged and it lias been 
claimed that this is one of the reasons why the British 
burned Kingston a few months after. 

Elnathan Foster gave bond as follows: 

Know All Men liy these presents, that we, Elnathan Foster 
and Humphrey JMerrett * * * a^-e held and jointly and 
severally hound unto the Treasurer of the State of Xew York 
in the sum of 100 Ihs. to he paid to the said Treasurer, on or 
before the first day of June next, for the payment whereof we 
bind ourselves, heirs * * "•' Sealed with our seals, dated 
the 26th of May 1777. The Condition of this Obligation is 
such, that if the said Elnathan Foster shall and do forthwith 
proceed to his usual place of Abode and there continue to reside 
and not to depart from the Bounds of his Farm, until he shall 
receive Permission from this Committee, of Safety, or further 
action and Order of this State for so doing-. And also that in 
the meantime he shall not say or do anything inimical to the 
liberties of America, Then this Obligation to be void or else 
to remain in full force and virtue. 

ELXATHAK FOSTER 
HUMPHREY MERRETT 

January 12, 1776. — -In Committee of Safety. 

Ulster County — Stephen Seymour, of full age, being sworn 
on the Holy Evangelists, this 4th day of Jan'y, 1776, saith, that 
on IMonday evening, the first inst., at the house of Daniel 
McGiden, he heard Samuel Devine repeatedly drink damnation 
to the Congress and all the Whigs; that last year was Whig 
year, but this would be Tory year; and likewise that all the 
Whigs would be hanged in the spring; and furthermore called 
the Whigs a pack of damned rebels — and further saith that he 
would not obev his officers more than he would a dog. 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 129 

Ulster County — Henry Loekwood, of full age, being duly 
sworn, saieth, that on his way home from Xewburgh he met 
with some persons, among whom was a certain Samuel Devine, 
who then asked him if he did not know there was a reward for 
taking up a Committee man and sending him on board a man- 
of-war; who then threatened to take this deponent, he being 
one of the Committee of Marlborough Precinct, and that he 
would have 40 lbs. cash, or 50 acres of land, for delivering 
him, &c 

Devine was released under this charge, but in 1777 
was conrt martialed and sentenced to be hanged. He 
was afterward pardoned by Governor Clinton. De- 
vine and others made the following petition : 

Gentlemen : 

Famine more formidable than the sword and pestilence 
united, now presents itself to us, the gaoler informs us that he 
has orders to decline Supplying us with provisions. Is it pos- 
sible that a Council of Safety for the State of New York can 
issue so horrid an order? Perish the ungrateful suggestion, 
we cannot believe it, to keep man in close confinement with all 
the precautions practicable l)y human ingenuity and at the 
same time deny them the necessaries of life is unprecedented 
among them we call savages. There are many among us desti- 
tute of money and of every means to preserve existance. There 
possibly are some who can supply themselves, but let a scrutiny 
be made and let not them who cannot, perish. We have not, 
we will not pursue any violent measures, we trust in God and 
the humanity of your honoral)le board and are Gentlemen, Your 
Distressed humble Servants. 

Eobert Nickolesson 

Harrow Wilkinson 
his 

Jacob X Scoulenar 
mark 

Silas Gardiner 

Samuel Devine 

James Beggs 

Thos. Wilkinson 

Wm. Orr 
his 

Alex. X Campcll 
mark 



130 History of Marlborough. 

. Isaac Lockwood 
Henry Plank 
Canith Brisben 

his 
Eobert x Briget Xigor 
mark 
To the Hon()ral)le the Council of Safety for the State of Xew 

York 
Kingston gaol, August 23, 1777. 



Petition of Silas Gardiner. 

To the Honorable the Eepresentatives of the State of New 
York in Convention Assembled. The Petition of Silas Gardiner 
Humbly Showeth that your petitioner is one of the unhappy 
])ersons who are confined in the Dungeon of the Common Gaol 
of Kingston and sentanced to Die by Court ]\Iartial. That as 
this Honorable Convention hath the Confirming of the sentance 
yr petitioner is therefore led to offer by his petition, That as 
this Honorable House hath Been ever ready to fiear the peti- 
tions of the Distressed and always followed the unerring & 
Divine precept (which says mercy Eejoiseth Against Judgment) 
and Especially as he humbly conceives he is wrongfully con- 
demned by false accusations. -That yr petitioner some time last 
January went to Xew York & Returned and was about Return- 
ing again in company with one Isaac Lockwood But was taken 
& sent to Fishkill, Try'd by the Commissions & Discharged 
from the said offence. That yr petitioner was Returned to his 
family and had been but al)Out twelve hours home before he 
was apprehended by some of his neighbors, and taken Down 
to the Forts & Confined & Sentenced to Die. That yr peti- 
tioner knows of nothing that can be laid to his charge 
since his Discharge from the said Commissions. But is 
Informed tliat the said Isaac Lockwood has sworn that yr 
petitioner enticed him tlie said Lockwood to go off the 
Time when they were l)oth apprehended. That yr petitioner 
can sufficiently prove by several witnesses if required that 
the accusation of the said Isaac Lockwood is false as the said 
Avitnesses is Ready to testify that the said Isaac Lockwood was 
Ready and about going off to Xew York Before yr petitioner 
Returned therefrom. That yr petitioner is in a truly Deplora- 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 131 



ble and pitable situation Being Condemned for a Crime for 
which he hath Been Legally Discharged, and is conscious to 
himself of not having Committed any thing since his Discharge 
worthy of punishment yr Petitioner therefore Humbly prays 
and implores that this Honoral)le House will be favorably 
pleased & mercifully Disposed to take this Deplorable Case 
under their most serious consideration so as that yr petitioner 
may be Relieved from the said sentence of Death by pardoning 
yr petitioner and Discharging him from his confinement or 
such other Eelief as to this Honorable House shall seem meet. 
And yr petitioner shall ever prav. 

SILAS CtARDIXEE. 

Kingston Gaol ]\Liv 9, 1777. 



Petition of Arthur McKinney. 

To the Honorable the Representatives of the State of New 
York in Convention assembled. 

The Petition of Arthur :\IcKinney Humbly showeth That 
your petitioner is at present a Prisoner Confined in the Dun- 
■ geon of the Common Gaol of Kingston and under sentence of 
Death for an offence Against the Law of this State Confirmed 
by a Resolve of this Honorable Convention passed tlie 14th 
day of April last. 

That the said Resolve was unknown to your Petitioner * * * 
^ That yr jDetitioner is Innocently Ijrought into this Dismal 
Snare by some ill Disposed person who must have directed them 
to his Barn in the Dead of the night unknown to vour petitioner 
& without his knowledge, and as he looks upon himself as a 
Dying man it is his Indispensible Duty, as he regards the good 
of his soul in the next life to say or Declare nothing Ijut truth 
yr Petitioner therefore is Ready & willing to lay his hand on 
the sacred word of God, and Solemnly Declare tiiat he neither 
Knew of their coming or of their l)eing there until the next 
morning when he went to feed his Cattle as usual, and then 
he found the men in the Barn, and tliey would not let him 
go out until he made his Xegro wench Ijring victuals to 
them * * =•= 

That yr petitioner is in a truly dejilorable condition, Being 
bound witli Iron Bands in a Dark and Dismal Dungeon. * * * 

ARTHUR McKINA^EY. 



132 History of Maelbokough. 



To the Honcl. Council of Safety for the State of Xew York. 

The Humble petition of divers of the Inhabitants of Xew 
Borough and New Marlborough, Precinct of . Ulster County, 
Most humbly Showeth, That we the Neighbors and acquaint- 
ances of Samuel Devine, now in confinement at Kingston, and 
seeing the distress to his wife and young family are reduced by 
reason of his al)senct\ and also to what they will Ije reduced to 
if they can get no assistance from him in Provisions and 
Provender for the approaching season, We herehy humbly pray 
that he may be relieved from his confinement and sent to his 
family under such restraint as you in your wisdom shall think 
proper, and we with truth assure you, that as friends to our 
Country's cause we would not he thought to ask Liberty for an 
Enemy, and have not the least cause of Suspecting that he will 
do anything for the prejudice of the United States of America, 
what he formerly has done, we rather lieliove has l)een from 
passion more than from principle, all of which we sulunit to 
your wise and gracious judgment. 

Petitioners shall forever pray. 
Jon Scot Joseph Eansom Jonathan Lane 

Edward turner John gee Nehemiah liorton 

Hazel Smith Henry Cronk Andrew gee 

Dene Eelyea William gerow William gee. Senyr 

Benjamin Eelyea John gerow Cornelius Pohlames 

Peter terpenny A\ illiam Eelyea James Devine 

Frederick Cronk Joseph Devine 

Newboroiigh above named was Newburgli. It was 
often called in ancient papers New Borough. 



Petition of Levi Quimby. 

To the Honorable Council of Safety for the State of New York. 

The Humble Petition of Levi Quimby whose name is herwith 
sul)scril3ed, Humbly Sheweth, 

That whereas your Petitioner on the first of March last past 
met with three men whose names entirely slipt my memory, 
being by them persuaded to leave my halntation, wife and chil- 
dren and went down to Xew York. While there on York Island 
being informed by a man from New Jersey that the Honorable 
Convention of the State of New Y'ork had passed an act of 
grace, offering free pardon to sulijects that had committed 



Marlborough in the Eevolution, 133 

treasonable acts against this State and that would return again 
to their allegiance. In consequence of said information your 
humble ])etitioner left Xew York Island the 14th of this Instant 
to tiike the Benefit of the act of grace pursuant to the declara- 
tion or ordinance of the Convention of the State of Xe^Y York 
passed the 10th of this Instant offering free pardon to such of 
the Subjects of the said State as having committed treasonable 
acts against the same, should return to their allegiance. 

Your petitioner appeared before Major Lewis DuBois, one 
of the Field officers of Coll. Jonathan Hasbrouck's Regiment of 
Militia, on the 10th of this Instant and took the oath prescril)ed 
in said Declaration or ordinance al)ove recited and llere^ntll 
produce the Certificate of Major Lewis DuBois and pray the 
Honorable Council of Safety to pardon all and every treason- 
able acts and deeds by me committed heretofore against this 
State, and your petitioner Ijegs to l)e I'estored to a participation 
of all the rights, liberties and privileges appertaining to the 
good people thereof. And your petitioner will ever pray. 

LEVI QUIMBY. 



Xew :\Iarll)orough. May ye 19th. 1777. 
I do hereby certify that the bearer hereof of Levi Quimby 
has this Day appeared before me and took the oath of allegiance 
to the State of Xew York aggreeable to a resolve of the Honor- 
able Convention of the State of Xew York passed the 10th Day 
of this Instant as witness my hand Day and Date above. 

LEWIS DUBOIS Major 



Petition of Levi and Nathaniel Quimby. 
Respected Sir: 

I am a Prisoner confined in this jail Transmitted from Xew 
Windsor here. I came from Xew York on a Proclamation Is- 
sued by Major Gen'l Putman and when we Arrived at whome 
we Immediately went to the committee of Xew Marll)orough 
and they regularly Examined us Both and told us to go to our 
whomes and there Quietly and peaceably remain l)ut malicious 
people tuk us up. notwithstanding the Committee C-leared us, 
and sent us here. As you are a gentleman of Probity we humbly 
pray of you to order us to be brought before you in order that 



134 History of Marlborough. 

we may know what we may depend on. Sir your complyauce 

will ever be acknowledged. 

LEVI QUI MB Y 
KATHAXIEL QUIMBY 

To the Hon'ble Jno Scott, Esq. 

The John Scott above spoken of was a Brigadier 
General, and it appears that people suspected of being 
tories or unfriendly to the cause of liberty could take 
the oath of loyalty liefore an officer of the army or 
could petition such officer for redress and protection. 
The officer could issue to them certificates that would 
insure imunity from arrest or prosecution. 



Recognizance of Levi Quimby. 

Be it remembered that on the seventh day of January 1T7T, 
Personally appeared before me Roljert Benson one of the Secre- 
taries of the (Convention of the State of Xew York Levi Quim))y 
of Xew Marlboro' Precinct in the County of Ulster and Isaac 
Wilsey of Carlotte Precinct in the County of Dutchess yeoman, 
who acknowledg'ed themselves to be jointly & Severally in- 
del)ted to the People of the State of Xew York in the Sum of 
two hundred Pounds money of the said State to l)e levied on 
their Goods & Chatties Lands & Tenements if Default be made 
in the Condition following The Condition of this Recognizance 
in such that if the al)ove bounden Levi Quimljy shall well & 
truly appear at the next (*ourt of Oyer & Terminer and general 
Goal Delivery which shall l)e held in & for the County of Ulster 
to answer such matters as shall l)e Charged then and there 
Against him & not depart without Leave ; then the a1)0ve Recog- 
nizance to 1)6 Void & of none Effect otherwise to l^e and remain 
in full force & Effect 

Taken & acknowledged the day dv' year al)ove written 
Roliert Benson, Secretarv. 

LEAa QUIMBY Seal 

ISAAC WILSEY Seal 



It appears from the previous petitions of Levi 
Quimby that he had been down to New York and 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 135 

joined the Britisli army or else was suspected of hav- 
ing done so, and of being friendly to the King and 
opposed in some way to the colonies. All the year 
of 1777 he was under surveillance. The Committee of 
Safety were watching him and it seems he had been 
arrested several times and was liable to be arrested at 
any time; and finally he had appeared before the 
secretary of the convention, Robert Benson and had 
made and filed a bond. Quimby must have been ar- 
rested for treason previous to giving this bond, and 
he was bound over to the court, at which court he was 
to answer for that otfense or some other charge. It 
related in some way to his unfriendliess to the cause 
of liberty. I find no account of any other proceeding. 
He very likely got along all right, as he remained here 
and was always afterward a good citizen. 



Jacob Dayton the Blacksmith. 

There has always been a tradition here — it has fol- 
lowed the name from one generation to another — that 
Jacob Dayton was a tory in the Revolution and piloted 
Vaughn's expedition up the Hudson river when it 
burned Kingston. I remember of hearing this- when 
a little child and have heard it ever since; it has been 
a common expression among the people ever since the 
war. So I have looked up this tradition and have been 
quite curious to find out if there was anything in it, but 
I have utterly failed except in finding that he was sus- 
pected as many others were, who differed in opinion 
about the war, as being unfriendly to the cause, and 
was required to give bonds for his loyalty. I have 
the original bond, a coj^y of which is given hereafter. 
I cannot find that he piloted the British vessels up 
the river. It certainly was not necessary, as the water 
was deep and their vessels small, and they arrived at 



136 History of Marlborough. 

Kingston in the daytime. Had lie done so, it would 
certainly have been known at the time, and the Kings- 
ton people would afterward have killed him, hut he 
continued to live here during most of the contest, and 
even after the war and until he died many years 
afterward. He owned i)roperty and was a man of 
standing and carried on business; he was a class 
leader in the Methodist church in 1789 (" Jacob Day- 
ton's class near Latten Town "). He took an active 
part in church and town matters and was one of the 
first trustees of the Milton Methodist CUmrch. He 
raised a large family, many of the descendants of 
whom now reside in the town, and about the county ; 
he was the great-grandfather of the late Morgan A. 
Dayton, the lawyer. He was a good citizen as far a9 
I can find out, and was never interfered with after the 
war on account of his opinions and conduct in rela- 
tion to the Revolution. It is passing strange how such 
a widespread tradition could exist on so slight a 
foundation as there appears to be for it ; there may 
be more about it but I have failed to find it. It was 
a common expression among the neighbors: "Where 
did Dayton get all this property, if the English did 
not give it to him! " 

The following bond was given by Dayton : 

Know all men by these presents ; That I, Jacob Dayton, 
blacksmith of the Precinct of New Marlborough in the County 
of Ulster and State of New York am held and firmly Ijound 
unto Nathaniel Potter, farmer of New Paltz in the County and 
State aforesaid, in the penal sum of Five Hundred Pounds to 
be paid to the said Nathaniel Potter, or his certain Attorney, 
heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, for which payment 
to Ijc made and done. I do hereby bind myself, my heirs, execu- 
tors, administrators, and every of them firmly by these presents 
and sealed. 

Dated tliis twenty-six day of July, 17T8. 

The Condition of this 01)ligation is such that if the above 
Jacob Davton shall well and trulv behave himself to all the 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 137 

friends of Liberty in this State, or any other State within 
herein, he shall reside in all things according to the Laws of 
the said State, obeying all commands, then this present obliga- 
tion shall be void and of none effect; otherwise to remain in 
full force and virtue. 

Signed, sealed and delivered in the pi'esence of us 
Jacob Wood 
Xoali Woolsey 

JACOB DAYTOX (Seal) 



Will of Jacob Dayton, 

Devises to Benjamin & olliers, children of his son, Aristodes, 
dec'd, certain lands, — 180 acres &c. All the rest of his real 
and personal estate to l)e valued and divided Ijy three appraisers 
or commissioners, chosen by his executors, into tive equal parts, 
and divided among his children and grandchildren. 

One-fifth part thereof to his son, Combury Dayton, to he 
alloted to him on tlie homestead farm ; one-fifth to his son, 
Jacob, — that the farm he now resides on be set off to him in 
his share of the estate; one-fiftli to his son, Caleb, that the farm 
he now resides on be set off to him as his share ; the other re- 
maining two-fifths part be divided in nine equal shares; one- 
ninth to his son, Daniel; one-ninth to the children of his son, 
Hustis, dec'd; one-ninth to the children of his son, Aristodes, 
dec'd; one-ninth to his executors in trust for his daughter, 
Martha Eussell, to have the use of it during her life, tlien to 
go to her children; one-ninth to executors in trust for jiis 
daughter, Elizabeth, wife of George Ball, to have the use of and 
then to go to her children ; one-ninth to executors in trust for 
his daughter, Polly Thompson, and then to go to her children; 
one-ninth for children of daughter, Fanny Tillson ; one-ninth 
to children of daughter, Phebe Sloan, dec'd; one-ninth to chil- 
dren of liis daughter, Lucretia Sutton, dec'd. * * * 

The executors named were liis sons, Cornlniry, 
Jacob, Daniel, and Caleb and bis friend, Moses Wool- 
sey. A codicil dated Angnst 7, 1832, makes some 
slight clianges, and directs '' That tlie bnrying ground 
which I have set off on my farm be fenced by my 
execntors and kept for a family bnrying gronnd to tlie 
remotest generation for all mv relatives." 



138 History of Marlborough. 

Jacob Dayton died at the old Dayton liomestead in 
1836 at the age of 80, leaving several hundred acres 
of land, considerable personal property, and a large 
famih\ His will was contested; thirty-two witnesses 
were sworn, the most x>i'oniinent men in Marlborongh 
and New Paltz were witnesses. The will was ad- 
mitted to probate and the property distributed. It 
appears by the will that most of the children and 
grandchildren were occupying his lands at the time of 
his death and he provided as near as he could that 
they were to have the lands they lived on. He cer- 
tainly had been a very successful man, and many at- 
tril)uted his good fortune to his supposed loyalty to 
England, but much of this feeling arose, no doubt, 
from jealousy. 



Petition of Leonard Smith. 

To the Honorable tlie liepresentatives of the State of 'New 
York in Convention assembled. The petition of Leonard Smith 
of New Marlborough Precinct, County of Ulster and State of 
Xew York, Humbly showeth that your petitioner's sloop was 
taken into the service of this State, October last past and con- 
tinued in the service until November, and was employed in 
carrying stores, &c to and from King's bridge to Tarrytown. 
That said sloop, the last trip she made from King's bridge to 
Tarrytown, was made there by reason of the enemy's approach. 
That the sails l)elonging to said sloop were taken off and ;)ut 
into the store of this State. That your petitioner has a])p^'ed 
since to his employers for sails, &c to endeavor to get away the 
said sloop, but could get none. But they referred him to the 
Honoralde Convention for redress therefore. That your peti- 
tioner has a certificate ready to be produced of the said sloop 
being employed in the service of this State. That your peti- 
tioner conceives that as the said sloop was in the service of this 
State, it would be extremely hard and unreasonable that the loss 
of said sloop should fall on and be borne by your petitioner. 
Your petitioner, therefore, huml)ly prays that this Honorable 
House would ])e favorably pleased to take the premises under 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 139 

consideration, and to make some provision for the payment of 
the said sh^op, or to give sucli otlier relief in the premises as 
to this Honoral)le House sliouhl seem meet, and your petitio;ier 
shall ever prav. 

LEOXAED SMITH. 
Kingston, ]\rareh 25, ITTT. 



Certificate of Sloop Sally. 

Peekskill, Mar. 15, m?. 

This is to certify that the Sloop Sally belonging to Leonard 
J. Smith was employed in the C'ontinental service in the months 
of Oct. ct Xov. last." 

WILL^i DOBBS. 



Bond of Josiah Lockwood, 

Know all men by these presents that we, Josiah Lockwood 
and Uriah Drake, of the Precinct of Xew ]\Iarlborough * * * 
are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America 
in the just and full sum of 300 pounds * * * to be paid to 
the said States or to such person or persons as shall be herein- 
after nominated to receive such fines and penalties. 

Which payment well and truly to be made and done, we Innd 
ourselves respectively * * * 

Sealed with our seals and dated this seventh day of ^larch 

i i i . 

The condition of this oldigation is such that if the above 
bounden Josiah Lockwood do personally appear before a general 
Court Martial to be held at the Paltz * * * on the 4tli 
day of April next there to remain until legally discharged by 
said Court, then this obligation to be void otherwise to Ije and 
remain in full force and virtue. 

JOSL\H LOCKWOOD (Seal) 
URL\H DPvAKE (Seal) 

In presence of 
John Hothorn 
Elizabeth Hothorn 



140 History of Marlborough. 

Petition of Cadwallader Golden, Jr. 

To the H()noral)le the IJepresentatives of the State of Xew York 
in C*onvention. 

That your Petitioner impressed with the most painful appre- 
hensions of C'allamities tliat would flow from a separation of 
the American Colonies from the government of Great Britain, 
Did in the beginning of the present most mihappv Disputes 
appear opposed to such measures as he Imagined would Involve 
his Country in Distress in consequence of which he was stig- 
matized by those from whom he Differed in Sentiment with the 
odious appellation of an Enemy of his Country, and thereby 
became the ol)ject of hatred. Slander and malevolence was often 
insulted and frequently threatened with Destruction of his Per- 
son and Preoperty * * * ^y.^^ among the first that signed 
the general association, since which time your Petitioner doth 
aver that he hath in no way whatever opposed or o1)structed 
any pnblic measures, nor hath he in any one Instance, either 
Persuaded or Dissuaded any man * * " 

^Notwithstanding wliich and witliout the least cause your 
Petitioner's house was surrounded l)y an armed body of men 
commanded l)y Col. Pahuer in the dead of the night of the 24 
of June last, and on l)eing granted admission he the said 
Palmer and Divers others proceeded to searcli every part of the 
house of your Petitioner for arms and ammunition &c, also 
Examined liis Deslv and Chest of Papers and though said 
Palmer declared himself perfectly satisfied that your Petitioner 
was destitute of all offensive weapons &c he nevertheless seized 
the person of your Petitioner and sent him under Strong Guard 
to Xew Windsor, and the next day was conveyed as a prisoner 
to Newl)urgh * * * 

That on the 4th of July your Petitioner appeared Ijefore the 
County (*ommittee, and though no charge was adduced against 
your Petitioner, much less su]iported, of his acting Inimical to 
the Liberties of his C^ountry '•' * * 

Yet to the Surprise of your Petitioner and the astonishment 
of the (*ounty. your Petitioner was ordered to the Common 
Goal of the County in close confinement under every circum- 
stance of Indignity and Disrespect For which your Petitioner 
took the liberty to inform your Honorable Board of his griev- 
ances and to Pray for relief * * * reconsideration of the 
rigorous Treatment he had Received by a close Confinement 
in a jayl for nearly five weeks without any charge against him 
and Solicits his Discharo-e. Xotwithstanding- which all the In- 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 1-il 

diligences your Petitioner was able to procure has been a re- 
lease from the common jayl upon giving security in the Exor- 
bitant sum of 20U0 Pounds not to go off his farm until fully 
discharged by your Honorable Board * * * 

CADR COLDEX, Junr. 
Coldenham, Aug. 21, 1776. 

At a meeting of the C^ommittee, ISTov. 2, 1776 it was resolved 
that Cadwallader Colden l)e brought before the committee, 
That Capt. Lusk do forthwith apprehend the said Cadwallader 
Colden, Esq. and bring him before this Committee, that he 
carefully and diligently examine all his papers and that he 
secure all such as may have any reference to the contest betwixt 
Great Britain and America in order that the same may be ex- 
amined by this Committee. Resolved that he be forthwith re- 
moved to the town of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay 
there to remain at his own expense on his parole of honor 
under such restrictions as the Select Men or Civil Authority of 
the Town shall prescribe. * * * Modified. Resolved there- 
fore that the said Cadwallader Colden be confined on his Parole 
of Honor within five miles of his usual place of abode he the 
said Cadwallader first making oath that he will not either di- 
rectly or indirectly countenance or commit any act or thing 
whatsoever against this State its Rights and Liberties * * * 

Cadwallader C^olden did uot reside here, but re- 
sided at Coldenham, where a large patent of land had 
been granted to his father. Gov. Cadwallader Colden, 
who was the last Lieutenant Governor appointed by 
tire crown and at, and sometime previous to, the com- 
mencement of the war, he was Acting Governor. He 
was not only a man of prominence and influence about 
here, but all over the State. He was one of his Maj- 
esty's council and as such took the proof and acknowl- 
edgments of most of the land titles in those times in 
this town or precinct, and he or some of the family 
owned Colden 's Ridge. I find liis name very frequently 
in old documents. Owing to the honors and emolu- 
ments that he had received from the mother country 
he was naturally in sympathy with her and refrained 
from taking part against her. He died at the com- 



142 History of Marlborough. 

mencement of the war, but his son Cadwallader and 
his son Alexander, who had previously been sheriff of 
Ulster county, were naturally suspected of being un- 
friendly to tlie cause of lil)erty and were continually 
under surveillance. 



Petition of Elnathan Foster and others, Kingston 

Goal. 

To the Honorable C'oiiiniittee of Safety, 

As we have no other way to Inform you of our Necessity but 
by the Pen and we hope that you are Not oncenciable of the 
condission that our Famih's is in at this time, and they are 
Not able to sepoart us at this time and we are out of Porveson 
and have been for this Two days Nothing but Bread alone and 
we have not but Tow of us, that is got any money and we must 
suffer For there is Several of us that is Sick and the Room, is 
so full that there is but one part of us Can Lay down at a time, 
and we Beg that you would bear our Complaint For you are the 
gentlemen that we must beg to hear our Cry and without you 
will have some marcy on us sun we must Dy, hear this from 
your luimble Petitioners. 
Elnathan Foster 
Solomon Comes 
John Flewelling 
Bengemin Darl)y 
Bengamin Smith 
David Wyatt 
Stephen Wood 
John Mefad 
James Flewelling 
Eobert Denton 

The colonies were very poor and it was quite hard 
sometimes for the troops to obtain su]iplies, and in 
such cases they, or the Committee of Safety, seized 
upon what was necessary for their wants and issued 
certiticates for the payment thereof; and the follow- 
ing is one of such certificates, which has never been 
paid : 



Marlborough in the Kevolution, l-tS 

This is to certify that we have taken from William Woolsey 
seventeen bushels of corn and ten Inishels of buckwheat for the 
use of the States, which you are to deliver to the Commissary 
of Forage when called for. As witness our hands this 28th 
day of Oct. 1778. 

Corn at three dollars per Inishel 
Buckwheat two dollars per bushel 

XATH'L KELSEY 
EIGHT CARPEXTEE 

Two of the Committee 

Cattle, gr^iu and provision were taken up in this 
way qnite frequently, especially when the army lay 
at Newburgh and at Valley Forge; and horses were 
pressed into the service to carry the goods. It was 
claimed that the horses about here and in tlie Precinct 
of Newl)urii'h were all used in this service. 



Tories. 

Many things led up to the revolution of the States 
against the mother country, but they were matters 
that could have lieen amicably settled in time; the 
battle of Lexington, however, precipitated matters 
and it appeared that war was inevitable. To be sure 
many differed in opinion; those who opposed such a 
radical step Avere mostly honest in their views. They 
could see that it meant a long and bitter struggle witli 
a powerful nation, and a great navy, with the result 
in doubt, they naturally shrank from the ordeal. It 
was their best judgment and in many instances their 
conscience, and as long as they acted in a fair and 
impartial manner, they should not be blamed. These 
were called the King's men by their neighbors; they 
were argued with and every reasonable means taken 
to induce tliem to come over to the American side. 
They were seldom interfered with, if they remained 
quietly at home on their farms. Some under the name 



144 History of Marlborough. 

of the King's meu, and the prestige the name gave, 
organized marauding parties and preyed upon the 
country, plundering and annoying the inhabitants, 
driving off the cattle and taking their property. They 
became outlaws like Claudius Smith, who was hung at 
Goshen, Fluwelling and others ; some enlisted men, as 
we have before seen, for the enemy; some enlisted 
themselves. All such were summarily dealt with when 
caught. Most all of this class settled in Canada after 
the war. A few returned, but had a hard time of it. 
One tory was shot and killed on the Lattintown road 
at the brow of the hill on the w^est field of J. R. Wool- 
sey, at the old bar-way that stood there. Many were 
tried by the committee or by courtmartial and con- 
fined on prison ships at the strand, Kingston, and in 
the jail ; at one time there were twenty-nine in the 
jail. This was in the old courthouse, the jail being 
under the courtroom. The prisoners suffered great 
hardships, as we have seen by some of the petitions. 

When the State committee met to hold their sessions 
at the court house, I find that upon motion of Gouver- 
neur Morris, on the 18th of March, 1777, the following 
resolution was passed: 

\Miereas the past want of care of the prisoners now confined 
in tlie jail underneath the Convention Chamber, the same is 
supposed to have become unwliolesome and very noisome and 
disagreeable effluvia arises, wliieh may endanger the health of 
tlie members of this convention ; Therefore Resolved, that for 
tlie preser\^ation of their health the members of this Convention 
he at liberty at their pleasure to smoke in the Convention 
Chambers while the house is sitting and proceeding on business. 

About this time there were fifty heads of families 
of the Newburgh precinct either in the English army 
or in prison, but there was i-eason for their loyalty to 
the King. Governor Colden had been colonial gover- 
nor; he resided l)ut a few miles away and had many 



Marlbokough in the Revolution. 145 

friends. Many had appointments and favors from the 
home government and considered the effort for free- 
dom hopeless. 

More than fonr generations have passed since that 
time, and the enmity and hatred engendered lias all 
passed away. In our rise and progress, wealth and 
greatness, the descendants of those people have borne 
an honored and successful part. No one should now 
be criticised for what is past and gone; all that was 
done in those times is history now. All feeling, hatred 
and animosity are past. Many generations have passed 
since, and what is heretofore given in these pages, 
is given to show only the habits, incidents and history 
of those times as they existed ; they are a part of our 
town and the things that happened about here — the 
passing events of those stirring times, when, as it 
were, our ancestors took their lives in their hands and 
started out to form a new and great nation. 



A Day of Eejoioing. 

The seige of Yorktown and the surrender of the 
army of Lord Cornwallis in October, 1781, was the 
last engagement of any moment. Soon thereafter 
most of the American army returned to the Hudson 
river, and in April, 1782, Washington established him- 
self at the Hasbrouck house, now known as Washing- 
ton's headquarters, in Newburgh, there to remain 
most of the time until the army was finally disbanded. 
Some of the army in the autumn of 1782 were en- 
camped at Verplanck Point, but they afterward 
crossed to the west side of the river and went into 
winter quarters with the rest of the army at Fishkill, 
New Windsor and about Walden. Washington and 
most of his generals and som-e troops were at New- 
burgh. During tliis time the commissioners of Great 



146 History of Marlborough, 

Britain and America, appointed for tlie purpose, were 
endeavoring to arrange a basis of peace between their 
countries, and had concluded their duties so far as the 
two nations were concerned, but peace appeared to be 
contingent upon the ratification by contending 
European i)0wers. In A})ri], 178o, notification was re- 
ceived of tlie ratification of preliminary articles and 
the cessation of hostilities. The joyful intelligence 
was announced to the army and country on April 
18tli by an order of the commander-in-chief, and was 
to be proclaimed at the New Building on the morrow 
at 12 o'clock noon, and directed that, " The adjutant- 
general will have such working parties detailed to as- 
sist in making the preparations for a general rejoic- 
ing as the chief engineer, with the army, shall call for; 
and the quarter-master-general will also furnish such 
material as he may want." 

Though the proclamation declared only the cessa- 
tion of hostilities, yet it was regarded throughout the 
country as a sure sign of approaching peace — as an 
end to the toil and suffering of the people and the 
poverty engendered by tlie war. Mounted couriers 
having proclaimed the glad tidings throughout the 
surrounding country, the })eople on the early morning 
of the 19th flocked to Newburgh to attend the general 
rejoicing and to hear and see the celebration of the 
day by the army; and the people of this town, owing 
to their zeal and their proximity to the encampments, 
turned out en masse. Every conceivable conveyance 
was pressed into service and even the poor and patient 
oxen drew the farm wagons loaded with people to the 
center of rejoicing. All the cares and toils of life 
were forgotten for the day, the old l)ecame young 
again and i^articipated in all the events of the day. 
The ceremonies opened at sunrise by the firing of can- 
non at all the forts and fortifications. The army lined 
up on l)oth sides of the river with polished arms and 



Marlborough in the Revolution. 147 



the war-worn flags of many battles proudly flying 
from the head of each regiment. There were reviews 
and parades and the firing of muskets by companies 
and regiments, after which there were other public ex- 
ercises. The people mingled freely with the soldiers 
and sought out long-absent friends and relatives, who 
were feasted l)y the good things brought from the 
farms ; nothing was too good for the soldiers then. At 
noon the order and prochimation of the commander- 
in-chief was read at the New Building, and prayers 
and religious exercises followed. During the afternoon 
the festivities continued and as evening approached 
the order or proclamation was read at the head of 
each regiment of the army, after which the chaplain 
of the several brigades rendered thanks to Almighty 
God for all His mercies, particularly for His over- 
ruling the wrath of men to His own glory, and caus- 
ing the rage of war to cease among nations. This was 
followed by a dress parade, the firing of cannon again 
and the roar of musketry along the whole line of the 
army. The beacon fires from the hilltops then blazed 
forth the tidings of peace. In thought we can almost 
see or realize the scenes of festivities and rejoic- 
ings; the tired though joyous people wending their 
way homeward through all the long hours of the 
night; the participants of all this remembered it to 
their dying days and were never tired of reciting it 
to their children and grandchildren. 

The order or proclamation referred to above was in 
part as follows: 

The commander-in-chief far from endeavoring- to stifle the 
feelings of joy in liis own hosom, ofi^ers his most cordial con- 
gratulations on the occasion, to all the officers of every denomi- 
nation, to all the troops of the United States in general, and 
in particular to those gallant and deserving men who have 
resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long 
as the war should continne ; for these are the men who ought 
to he considered as the pride and boast of the American army 



148 History of Marlborough. 

and who, crowned with well-earned laurels, may soon witlidraw 
from the field of glory to the more tranquil walks of civil life. 
While the General recollects the almost infinite variety of 
scenes through which we have passed Avith a mixture of pleasure^ 
astonishment and gratitude — while he contemplates the pros- 
pect before him with rapture — he cannot help wishing that 
all the brave men, of whatever condition they may be, who have 
shared in the toils and dangers of affecting this glorious revo- 
lution, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and 
of laying the foundation of a great empire, might he impressed 
with a proper idea of the dignified part they have been called 
to act, under the smiles of Providence, on the stage of human 
afi'airs; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pronounced here- 
after, who have contributed anything, who have performed the 
meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of Freedom and 
Empire, on the broad basis of independency ; who have assisted 
in protecting the rights of human nature, and estal)lishing an 
asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and re- 
ligions. 

The new building spoken of, sometimes called the 
public building and the temple, was a large temporary 
building that Washington erected for the officers to 
worship in on the Sabbath and for public meetings 
and town purposes. It was near and south of Snake 
Hill in the Town of New "Windsor. There was no 
large public building in the town of New Windsor or 
in Newburgh suitable for the accommodation of the 
army in this respect. The location was central ; a part 
of the army was encamped to the west of it ; the ruins 
of their fireplaces are still to be seen. It was here 
that many great matters of importance in connection 
with the close of the war occurred. 



z^^^^ei^^-^^^^ 



LC-y^ 





fe 



CHAPTER V. 

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Captain Jonathan 
Hasbrouck for the precinct of Newburgh. The first Tuesday 
in April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 
and sixty-three according to an act of Assembly for that pur- 
jwse. Samuel Sands, Clerk; Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck, Super- 
visor; Eichard Harker, John AYindfield, Samuel Wiatt, x\ssess- 
ors; David Gedney, Constable; Henry Smith, Collector; Joseph 
Oedney, Benjamin Woolsey, Poor Masters ; John ]\IcCrary, John 
Wandal, Burras Holms, Isaac Fowler, Um})hrey Merrit, Thomas 
AVoolsey, Path ]\Iasters; Xathan Purdy, Isaac Fowler, Fence 
Viewers & Appraisers of Dammage. 

Lenard Smith chose to collect the quit rent the patten he now 
lives on. Then adjourned to the house of Capt. Jonathan Has- 
brouck. 

The house of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck whore the meeting 
Avas held is the present Washington Head(|uarters. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Capt. Jonathan 
Hasl)rouck for the precinct of Xewburgh the first Tuesday in 
April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
sixty-four according to an Act of Assembly. 

Samuel Sands, Clerk; Louis Dubois, Supervisor; Xehemiah 
Denton, Henry Terbush, Peter Ostrander, Assessors ; Samuel 
AVindslow, Constable and Collector. Xehemiah Denton security 
for Samuel Windslow for collecting and paying and the tax 
that laid on the precinct of Xew])urgh for the year 1764. 
Danniel Thurston, Michael Demott, Poor ]\Iasters ; Cornelius 
AVood, ]\Iartin "Wygant, Lenard Smith, Henry Sinith, Senior, 
Gilljer Denton, Edward Halleck, Benjamin Carpenter, Path 
Masters; Samuel Sprage, Henry Smith, Jeliiel Clark, David 
Purdy, Fence Viewers & Appraisers of Damage ; Isaac Fowler, 
Pounder. 

Then adjourned to the house of Capt. Jonatlian Hasbrouck 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Capt. Jonathan 
Hasl)rouck for the precinct of ^ewburgh, the first Tuesday in 

[140] 



150 History of Maelboeough. 



April, 17 Go, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and sixty-five, according to an act of Assembly. 

Sanuiel Sands, Clerk; John Wandal, Supervisor; Xehemiah 
Denton, Henry Terbush, William Thomson, Assessors; Henry 
Smith, Senior, Collector; Markas Ostrander and Danniel 
Kodgers, Overseers of the Poor; Samuel Sands, Path Master 
fro'ii Cornelius Woods to the Wallkill precinct; Jolni Wandal, 
Path ^Master for Xe\vl)urii-h to work to the westward as far as 
Cornelius Woods; Xehemiah Denton. Path blaster from Albert- 
son's gate northward as far as the Germans patent extends and 
also the New AVallkill Poad to William's meadow; John Ter- 
peny from AVilliams road to the Xew Paltz road ; Arthur Smith 
from the German patent east to David Purdy's patent ; Isaih 
Purdy from David Purdy for Purdy's Patent; Joshua Conklin 
for David Purdys Patent as far as the Jews Creek; Lewis Du- 
bois, Path Master from the Jews Creek as far as Woolsey Patent; 
Samuel Merrit, Path Master ontlie new road from Lewis Du- 
bois' mill to the Walter Dubois land ; Lattin Carpenter, Path 
Master on the new road from AValter Duljois' land to the Ten 
Stone meadow ; John Belfield, Path Master from the above 
mentioned road to the river road; John AVoolsey, Path Master 
from Woolsey's Patent to Susannah Bond's ; ]\lichael Wygant 
l^ith Master on that road by Yrian Wygant's. 

Voted that there be a ])ublic town pound erected for the use 
of tlie Geruum Patent or precinct near the house of ilartin 
Wygant. 

Joshua (*onklin and Arthur Smith, Fence A'iewers. 

Isaac Fowler, Pounder. 

Then the meeting adjourned to the house of C*apt. Jonathan 
Hasbrouck. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Jonathan Has- 
brouck in and for the precinct of Xewburgh this first Tuesday 
in April A. D. 1766. 

Joseph Sands, Chosen Clerk ; Benjamin Carpenter, Super- 
visor; Xehemiah Denton, William Thomson, Henry Terbush, 
Assessors; Silas Wood, Constable and Collector; John Woolsey, 
Benjamin Smith, Overseers of the Poor; Silas Wood, Path 
]\Easter from the north side of the German ])atent to the Wall- 
kill ]irecinct; Xehemiah Denton, Path Master on the new road 
from his landing to the house of John Simpson ; Jonas Totten, 
Path Master on the said road from John Simpson to the Wall- 
kill precinct; Jehoel Clark, Path ]\raster for tbe German Patent 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 151 



to Isaac Fowler bridge; Xeliemiah Fowler. Path Master from 
Isaac Fowler bridge to the Jews Creek ; (laljriel ]\Ierrit. Fatli 
Master from the Jews Creek to Lewis Dubois northern line; 
Eichard Harker, Path Master from Lewis Dubois northern line 
to the Paltz precinct ; Daniel Sniffin, Path Master on the new 
road as far as Cropseys l)rook ; Umi)hrey ^Merrit, Path Master 
from Henry Cropsey's brook to ]\Iiclieal AVygant's northern 
line and from the Kings road from Gilbert Merrit's to John 
Simpson's; George Stanton, Path blaster from ^licheal 
Wygant's northern line to Samuel ]\Ierrit*s mill, then beginning 
to the northward of the said mill to Benjamin Carpenter's line; 
AVilliam Woolsey, Path blaster from Benjamin Carpenter's line 
to the ten stone meadow ; Jonathan Ostrander from the ten 
stone meadow to the Wallkill road ; Urian ]\Iackey from Cavilears 
line to the King's highway ; Martin Wiatt and Lattin Carpenter, 
Fence Viewers ; Martin Wiatt, Pound Keeper for the German 
Patent ; Lewis Dubois, Pound keeper for the rest of the precinct ; 
Daniel Gedney, Path Master from the landing of John Wandel 
to the estate of Ilecser Gidney, deceased. William Whitehead 
to keep one child of Poselo at $:^.ll per week. Jolm Fluwelling 
to keep one child of Roselo at $2.11 per week. Each one to 
find the said children in cloathes for the year. Lephilet Piatt, 
Samuel AMatt and Cornelius Wood were voted in Commissioners 
for Highways but the old Commissioners did not refuse to 
serve. 

The Town meeting adjourned to Xehemiah Denton. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton 
for the precinct of Xewburgh the first Tuesday in April in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven 
according to an act of Assembly. 

Leonard Smith. Chosen Clerk; Lewis Dubois, Supervisor; 
Isaac Bellknapt, Peter Ostrander, Elijah Lewis, Assessors ; 
Silas Wood, Constable and to take fees from Arthur Smith's 
house ; John Bellknapt — security for Silas Wood performing 
and discharging of all executions that he is intrusted with for 
the year expiring ; Cornelius Wood — Collector ; Isaac Bell- 
knapt, security for Cornelius Wood for collecting and paying 
all the tax that is laid on the precinct of Xewburgh for the 
year 17()T; Isaiah Purdy, Gilbert Denton, Overseers of the Poor. 

Cornelius Wood, Path :\raster for the Wallkill road; Henry 
Smith from AlcCrary's to the extent of the German patent; 
SaniTicl AViatt from Gidnevs to AVandal's landiu"-; Xeliemiah 



152 History of Marlborough, 



Denton on the new road from his hmding to the widow Sim- 
son's; Done Tnilye from Simson's on said road to the end of 
the precinct ; "William Sent on the new road in the nmie of 
Jonathan Ostrander; Joseph Gidney and his tenant to work 
on a road from his saw mill to Sand's landing and not to be 
compelled to Avork on any other road; Morris Flowweling to 
work on the road from his honse to the King's road and not to 
be compelled to work on any other road; David Smith on the 
Five patentees so far as the school house bridge; David Purdy 
so far as to half the bridge by Isaac Fowler's, and Isaac Fowler, 
Henry Terbush and Edward Halleck on the main road; Daniel 
Ivniffin, jMichael Wygant, Samuel Merrit, Latting Carpenter, 
Urian ^lackey, John Quick — all path masters ; Daniel Thurston 
and Jeliiel Clark — Fence viewers; Martin Wygant — Pound 
keeper for the German patent ; Daniel Denton — Pound keeper 
for the rest of the precinct. 

Voted and resolved by this meeting that Lemmuel Conklin 
have and keep one child of Poswells now on the precinct for 
the insuing year and to have three shillings for every week for 
keeping the said child during the said term of one year and at 
the end of the year to have an indenture for the said child until 
it arrives at the age of twenty-one years, and to keep the pre- 
cinct from any charge by the said child after the expiration of 
one year from this date, and if possible to learn the child to 
read and the l>lacksmith trade and to dismiss him in a customary 
manner. It is further voted and resolved that iSTathaniel 
Conklin keep one other child of the said Eoswells as above paid. 

Joshuah Sands and Henry Smith chosen assessors of the quit 
•rent on the German patent and John Wandal — Collector of 
the same. 

Xehemiah Carpenter and Eobert Batey assessors of the cpit 
rent on Bond's patent and Isaac Bellknapt — Collector of the 
same. 

The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton's 
the first Tuesday in April in the year ITCxS. 

The House of Xehemiah Denton was on the premises now 
owned bv James A. P. Eandell. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton 
in and for the precinct of Xewlnirgh the first Tuesday in April 
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty- 
eight according to an act of Assembly. 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records, 153 

Leonard Smith, Chosen Clerk ; Edward Halleck, Supervisor ; 
Arthur Smith, Latting Carpenter, Marcus Ostrander, Assessors. 

It is agreed on by Stephen Case, Mioajah Lewis — candidates 
for constable that whoever of them is chosen constal)le for the 
year expiring that they will appoint two deputies to serve under 
them such as shall be agreeable to the inhabitants. Such 
deputies to have the full fees for Avhat they serve and shall be 
obliged to give to the constable security for their performance 
and such constable so deputized shall l^e obliged to serve at his 
town in tending our general court. 

Stephen Case, Constable and Collector; Gabriel Merrit, 
security for Stephen Case's performance; Benjamin Carpenter, 
Bordwin Terpeny, Overseers of the Poor; Jonathan Bellknapt 
chosen path master from Wallkill precinct to Little Britain road 
near the Widow McCrary's ; Benjamin Birdsall, path master 
from the said Little Britain road to ^"ewburgh dock, also 
northerly as far as the German patent extends or to the l)ridge 
near Elijah Carman's and to include the said bridge and no 
further; IMorris Flowelling, path master from Xehemiah 
Denton's dock on the new road as far as the widow Simson's ; 
Joseph Kilor chosen path master from llie said widow Simson's 
to the extent of the precinct ; Jehiel Clark chosen path master 
from the said bridge near Elijah Carman's on the pu1)lic road 
as far as Isaac Fowler's, also from the King's road to the river; 
Henry Terluish chosen path master from Isaac Fowler's to the 
bridge over the Jew's Creek ; Richard Woolsey, path master from 
Lewis Dubois's bridge along by Samuel ^Merrit's mill to Latting 
Town line ; Stephen Sayles from the King's road on the new 
road from Gilbert Purdy's to the extent of Samuel Clark's land ; 
Henry Cropsey from Clark's line to the cross road at Jerial 
Ehodes's; Umphery Merrit from the. said cross road to ^lichael 
^Yygant's northern line and from Stephen Case's to the moun- 
tain; Daniel Gidney, path master on the road from Gidney 
townd to John Wandal's on to the King^s road ; George ^lerrit 
to be excused from working on the King's road in order to work 
his own road ; Gabriel ]\Ierrit, path master from the Jew's 
Creek to the upper side of Dubois's patent; John Woolsey from 
Dubois's patent to Depol's line ; Edward Halleck on the new 
road from the river to ten stone meadow; Joseph Gidney to 
work on his road from his saw mill to Sand's landing — he and 
his tenants and excused from the other roads ; Daniel Thurston, 
Isaac Fowler, Fence Viewers; Benjamin Smith chosen ])ounder 
for the German patent and all adjourning; Caleb ^Fcrrit chosen 
pounder for all the rest of the precinel. 



154 History of Marlborough. 



It is voted and resolved that no man in this precinct shall 
let his rams run at large after the tenth day of Septemher next 
until the first day of Xovemher and if any man should cut any 
ram in that time running at large and they should die, then 
the owner shall hare the loss. 

The meeting adjourned to the house of N'ehemiah Denton 
the iirst Tuesday of April ITGO. 



At a precinct meeting held at tlie house of Xehemiah Denton's 
in and for the precinct of Xewhurgh the first Tuesday in April 
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty- 
nine, according to an act of Assembly. 

Leonard Smith, Chosen Clerk; Latting (^arpenter, Super- 
visor ; Eurian Mackey, Calol) Merrit, Dene Trulye, Assessors ; 
Stephen Case, Constable and Collector; Gill)ert Purdy, Joseph 
Morev, Overseers of the Poor; Leonard Smith. (*lerk for the 
poor and to have eight shillings for serving. 

Voted and resolved l)y this meeting that Leonard Smith shall 
sign tlie petition directed to Charles Dewitt and George Clinton 
in behalf of the freeholders and inhabitants of this precinct. 

John Bellknapt chosen path master from the Wallkill pre- 
cinct to Cornelius Wood's; Benjamin Birdsall, path master as 
usual, including Gidney townd ; Burrough Holmes, path master 
from the l)ridge liy Elijah Carman's to the school house bridge, 
including half the bridge and from the King's road to the river; 
Xathan Purdy from tlu- school house bridge to Isaac Fowler's 
bridge including half the said l)ridge; Daniel Eudgard, path 
master from Isaac Fowler's including half the l)ridge to the 
l)ridge l)y Henry Terl)ush's including half said bridge ; John 
Lester, path master from Terbuslvs to the north side of Lieu- 
tenant Du])ois's land : John Woolsey, path master from Duliois's 
line to Halleck's mill brook; Xathaniel Killsey, path master 
from Halleck's brook to Depol's line; Nehemiah Denton from 
the river to Gilbert Denton's plain; "William Foster from Den- 
ton's plain to the widow Simson's ; Isaac Carton from the Widow 
Simson's to Depol's road; Peter Ostrander from said Depol's 
road to Drewwilager's ; Daniel Sniffin from Gill)ert Purdy's on 
tlie new road as far as Samuel Clark's north line ; Johonis Cos- 
man from Samuel Clark's north line to the bridge l)y Ehodes's 
old house including half said l)ridge; William Wyg'^nt from 
said In-idge to the north side of Tredwell's land and from 
Stephen Case's to the mountain : John Scot from Tredwell's 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 155 



north line to the mill and from Lieutenant Dnhois's bridge to 
Benjamin Carpenter's land; Latting Carpenter from thence to 
ten stone meadow, and from John Cavoley's to the old black- 
smitlvs shop; Job Saint John from Lewis's dock to John 
Cavoley's ; Eobert Eveerett from ten stone meadow to the end 
of the Voad ; ^lartin Wygant and Arthur Smith — Fence View- 
ers ; Martin AVygant — Pounder for German patent and all 
adjourning : Arthur Smith — Pounder for all the rest of the 
precinct. 

Voted at the annual meeting for the precinct of Xew1)urgh 
according to an act of Assembly for the support of the pooi, 
the sum of thirty pounds for this present year expiring. 

The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton the 
first Tuesday in April, IT TO. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton 
for the precinct of Xewlmrgh, the first Tuesday in April in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy 
according to an act of Assem])ly for that purpose, the following 
officers were chosen. 

Leonard Smith. Clerk; Latting Carpenter, Supervisor; 
Abijah Perkins, Samuel Wiatt. Peter Ostrander, Assessors; 
Stephen Case — Constable and Collector ; Samuel Denton, 
Samuel Stratton, Eichard Woolsey, Commissioners of the roads ; 
Jehiel Clark and Leonard Smith — Fence viewers ; ]\Lirtin 
Wygant and Arthur Smith — Pounders ; Stephen Case. Ben- 
jamin Birdsal, Overseers of the Poor; Leonard Smith, Clerk for 
the Poor. 

Voted that twenty pounds he raised in the precinct of Xew- 
burgh for the use of the poor. 

Voted the money that Gilbert Denton expended for the poor 
shall be first paid out of the money, that is raised this present 
year in the jireciuct. 

Voted that the Overseers of the Poor have authority agreo- 
al)le to the act of Assembly for that purpose, to find out all jioor 
children and straggling persons in order to keep the precinct 
from needless charges. 

Voted that four ])ounds seventeen shillings shall 1)e paid to 
Xathaniel Wiatt for jMargaret Willson lying in at his house 
and his expense out of the first fine money, and if no fine money 
shall arise to be paid — out of the money that is raised by vote. 

Jonathan Bellkna])t. Overseer of the road from Wallkill pre- 
cinct to Cornelius Wood's; John INForril from said Wood's to 



156 History of Marlborough. 



Xewburgh and northward alontf tlie King's road including tlio 
bridge by Elijali Carman's including all Gidnev townd road to 
the landing by John Wandal's; John Stratton from tbe bridge 
by Elijah Carman's to the school bridge including half of the 
bridge and from the river to the King's road, and westward on 
the new road till it meets with the new road to the AVallkill road 
by Wallis's meadow; Nathan Purdy from the school house bridge 
to Isaac Fowler's bridge including half the said bridge; Caleb 
!Merritt from Isaac Fowler's including half the bridge to the 
bridge by Henry Tei-bush's including half the said bridge; 
Lewis Dubois from Terbush's bridge including half said bridge 
to the north side of said Dubois land; John AYoolsey from 
Dubois's line to Halleck's mill bi-ook; Xathaniel Kilsey from 
Halleck's brook to Depol's line; Xchemiah Denton from the 
river to Gilbert Denton's plain; William Foster from said 
Denton's plain to the widow Simson's ; Dene Trulye from the 
widow Simson's to the depols road ; Gideon Ostrander from said 
depols r(^ad to Drewwi lager's ; Stephen Wood from Gilbert 
Purdy's on tbe new road as far as Samuel Cdark's north line; 
Henry Cropsey from Samuel CUark's north line to the bridge 
by Rhodes's old house including half tbe bridge; Samuel 
Merritt from said bridge to the north side of Tredwell's land 
and from Stephen Case's to the mountain ; Joseph ]\rorey from 
Ti'odwell's north line to the mill and from Lewis Dubois's 
l)ridge to Benjamin Carpenter's land ; Right C*ar}ienter from 
thence to ten stone meadow and from John C^avoley's to the old 
Idacksmith shop ; Zadock Lewis from Lewis's dock to John 
Cavoley's ; Eleazer Frayer from ten stone meadow to the end 
of the said road ; Francis Hopkins from the head of ten stone 
meadow, eastward to Jonathan Hicks's house; Enrian Mackey 
from Mr. Brush's lodge house to said Jonathan Hicks' house. 
The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiab Denton 
on the first Tuesday in April in the year of our Lord ITTl. 



At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton 
for the precinct of Xewburgh, the first Tuesday in April in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-one, 
according to an act of Assembly for that jnirpose. 

Leonard Smith, Clerk; Latting Carpenter. Supervisor 
Abijah Perkins, David Gedney, Robert Everett, Assessors ; 
Stephen Case, Constal)le and Collector; Humphery Merrit, 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 157 

Security for Stephen Case's performance of the office of Con- 
stable and Collector; Stephen Case and Benjamin Birdsal, 
Overseers of the Poor. 

Voted that these following- rules shall be observed by the 
Overseers of the Poor. 

Rule 1st. — As an encouragement to all succeeding Poor 
Masters or Overseers of the Poor, the more faithfully to dis- 
charge their duty in their office by pre\enting all unnecessary 
charges and needless costs on the inhabitants of the said pre- 
cinct and also as a reward for their good service, — we freely 
vote them the sum of one pound, ten shillings each to be paid 
out of the money voted to be raised for the use of the poor, or 
out of such fines as may l)e raised for the same use. 

Rule 2nd. — That all indentures on poor children that have 
or shall be bound I)y the Poor Masters of said precinct, shall be 
lodged with the Clerk of the Poor for said precinct, and also 
all other accounts and waitings whatsoever relative to the poor, 
shall in like manner be lodged as above said. That any persons 
at all times may know where to re]:)air in case of need. 

Rule 3rd. — That no Poor Master for the time being shall for 
any cause whatever relieve or cause to be relieved or mode 
chargeable any person or persons whatsoever, that may by law 
be transported, or any private person, can be made accountable 
for according to law on pain of perjury and making themselves 
liable to pay all sucli charges and forfeit to the use of the poor, 
twenty shillings and charges of prosecution to be recovered be- 
fore any of his majesty's Justices of the Peace; nevertheless 
one half shall go to the complainer who shall prosecute the 
same to effect. 

Ride ith.— That all Poor :\rasters shall within four days after 
the expiration of their office settle with the Poor's Clerk of said 
precinct and have an entry made there of all their proceedings 
for the year past; a first, what moneys they have received and 
what is assessed and not received ; secondly, how they have 
applied said moneys ; thirdly, what apprentices they have bound 
out and; lastly, what poor they have relieved, and by what 
authority they did tlie same. 

7?;//*^' 5///. — That no Poor Master shall pay any accounts to 
Doctors or any other person or persons, Avhatsoever, in behalf 
of the poor, unless the accounts be first sworn to be a true and 
just account against said precinct. 

Rule 6tli. — That at every Towna meeting by public advertise- 
ment, the last or old Overseers of the Poor shall notify all per- 
sons that have any accounts or demaml against said precinct 



158 History of Marlborough. 



to produce them attested to at a certain place and time not 
exceedino- four days from tliat time, tlien and there to receive 
their just dues. 

Eulr 7 til. — That all old Poor Masters give up to their suc- 
cessors all money that lies in their hands unapplied within four 
days after the new ones are chosen on pain of prosecution; 
therefore with all those accounts, receipts and writings trans- 
acted, whatsoever, to he lodged with the Poor's Clerk, &c. 

Rule 8th. — That at the expiration of the Poor Master's 
office, they shall call on the Constahle of said precinct who shall 
give said Poor Masters all moneys he has received for fines, for 
the use of the ]ioor, before they settle with their successors and 
if said Constable is suspected by them of injustice, then the 
said Constable shall purge himself by oath before any of his 
Majesty's Justices of the Peace. 

Ride 9th. — • As a reward to the Poor's Clerk of said precinct 
for his service and to defray his expense for finding books for 
the use of the poor yearly one pound, ten shillings out of the 
poor money, we freely give him. 

Samuel Denton, Samuel Stratton and Pichard Woolsey, Com- 
missioners of the Eoads ; Arthur Smith and Martin Weagant, 
Pounders and Fence Viewers; Leonard Smith, Poor's Clerk. 

Voted that fifteen pounds shall be raised in the precinct for 
the support of the poor this present year. 

Voted that forty shillings shall be paid to Joseph Kilor for 
keeping a poor child by the Overseers. 

Jonathan Bellknapt, Overseer of the Eoad from the Wall kill 
precinct to Cornelius Wood's; Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck from 
Cornelius AVood's to Newburgh and northward as far as John 
AVandel's; John Wandel from thence northerly to Carman's 
bridge including the bridge and all Gidney townd; Nehemiah 
Denton from his dock up the road to Denton's plain and from 
Carman's bridge as far north as to the line of the five patentees ; 
William Foster from Denton's plain to the l)ridge by the AVidow 
Simson's ; Dene Trulye from thence to the Depols road : Gedion 
Ostrander from the Depols road to Drewwilagers ; Jehiel Clark 
from the German line on the south line of the five patentees to 
Isaac Fowler's including half the bridge and from the King's 
road to the river and westerly upon the new road by 
Stratton's till it meets with the AA^allkill road by 
AA^allis's meadow ; Caleb Merrit from Isaac Fowler's in- 
cluding half the bridge to the bridge hy Henry Terliushe's 
mill including the said bridge ; Lewis Dubois' from said bridge 
to his north line; John AA'oolsev from Lewis Debois's north line 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 159 



to Hallick's mill brook; Xethaniel Killsey from Hallick's brook 
to Depols line; Annanias Vollintine from the Cherry tree by 
Gilbert Purdy's house to the bridge by Stephen Case's house; 
Samuel Merritt from said bridge to the north side of TredwelFs 
land and from Stephen Case's to the mountain and likewise, on 
the new road lately laid out ; Henry Hide from Tredwell's north 
line to the mill and from Lewis Debois's bridge to Benjamin 
Carpenter's land ; Eichard Carpenter from thence to ten stone 
meadow and from John Cavoler's to the old blacksmith shop; 
Zadock Lewis from Lewis' dock to John Cavoler's; William 
Hood from ten stone meadow to the end of the said road ; 
William Martin from the end of ten stone meadow eastward 
to Jonathan Hick's house ; Eurian Mackey from ]\I. Brush's 
lodge house to the said Jonathan Hicks's house; Silas Purdy 
from Young's to Deyoe's mill. 

The meeting adjourned to the house of Arthur Smith, the 
first Tuesday in April in the year of our Lord 1T75. 



At a Town fleeting held at Henry Deyo's on April ye 7 IT 73 
for the precinct of New Marlborough according to the act of 
Assembly for the province of New York. 
In Meeting assembled. 
Chosen 

Clerk. Abijah Perkins, For precinct and poor; Supervisor, 
Lewis Dubois; Assessors, John Younge, Jacob Wood, Marcus 
Ostrander; Poor Masters, Robert Meritt, Joseph ]\rt»ry; Com- 
missioners, Lewis Dubois, Eichard Woolsey, Durnee Eelyee ; 
Pounder, Silas Purdy; Fence Viewers, Caleb Merritt, Eichard 
Carpenter; Path Masters, Gabriel Merritt, James Quiml)y, 
Jacob Wood, Samuel Merritt, Henry Deyo; Constaljle, AVilliam 
]\rartin ; Security, Jeremiah ]\rackey ; Path Masters, John 
Dufhed, Silas Purdy, Joseph Mory, Latin Canienter, William 
]\Iartin, Absolom Case, Gedion Ostrander, William Gee, John 
Knowlton, Philip Place. 

Voted That Ten pounds b(^ raised for the use of said precinct 
the present year. 

Voted That Eams shall not run at Large from first of August 
to the first of November. 

1st District, Caleb Merritt line on the road that comes from 
AVolver Eker's to Lewis Dubois North Line. 

2d District, at Dubois's North line to run to l^atintown Eoad. 

3rd District, and from [ho last mentioned to the Paltz Line. 



160 History of Marlborough. 



4th District, from Elijah Lewis Dock to John Cavilly's Line. 

5th District^ to run from the hist mentioned to Jo. Hicks's 
westward and south to C'apt. (lyles's North Line. 

6th District, from the hist mentioned soutliward to the river 
road. 

Tth District, to l)ei,n]i at the Xew l)ri<lge Ijy Sihis Purdy's 
Mill to run southard to Dr. Perkins's south line. 

8th District, to begin at the last mentioned to run to Xew- 
burgh. 

9th District, to begin at the Jew's House to run westward to 
J. Eussel's. 

10th District, to heg'in l^elow Sani'l Townsend to run west 
out of the precinct. 

11th District, to l)egin at Devo's Bridge to run to Xathl. 
Quimby's House. 

12th District, fi-om Silas Purdv's ^IIW Xorthard to Tvatintown 
Poad. 

13th District, from ^fr. Brashes Log house to Jonath" 
Hicks's. 

14th District, from the last mentioned to the ])ine Swamp. 

15th District, still westward to the precinct Line. 

16th District, from the Platter Kill to Capt. Terepanney's. 

17th District, still Southward to jSTewburgh Line. 

18th District, to liegin on y^ road from Latintown on R. 
Everitt's line southard to newlnirgh Line added to the 6th 
District from the King-'s road at C^apt. Woolsey to the top of 
the first mountain at the ash Swamp. 

19th District, from John Duffield to the 6tli District west. 

20th District, from the last District to the Xewburgh Road 
at Mr. McGmin. 

21st District, from Tiatintown road to the Paltz Line. 

CALEB MERRITT, 
LEWIS DUBOIS, 
RICHARD AYOOLSEY, 
JOSEPH MORY. 

Commissioners. 



At the annual Town meeting for the precinct of Xew Marl- 
borough held on April the 6, 1TT3., was chosen by plurality of 
votes 

Abijah Perkins, Clerk for precinct and poor; Lewis Dubois, 
Supervisor; William Martin, Constable and Collector; Joseph 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 161 

Mory, Jeremiah Maekey, Eob*. Everitt, Assessors; Security for 
said Constable, Jeremiah Maekey ; William Martin, Silas Purely, 
Poor Masters. 

Voted that there shall be two pounds the one at Silas Purdy's 
the other at Eol:)ert Everitt. 

Eobert Everitt, Pounder; Silas Purdy, Eobert Everitt, Fence 
viewers; David Merritt, Peter Purdy, Peter Cavilly, "W™. 
"Woolsey. Ei'd Carpenter, John Scott, Humphrey Merritt, John 
Bond, Jacob Eussel, John Quick, Silas Purdy, Jeremiah Maekey, 
Israel Tompkins, John Frayer, Henry Lockwood, Durnee Eelyee, 
Henry Cronk, Path Masters. 

Voted that twenty-five pounds be raised for the use of the 
poor & one pound for a pair of Stocks to be kept at Silas 
Purdy's who is to be accounta])le to the precinct for the same 
if Damaged or Destro3'ed also that rams shall not run at Large 
or suffer the like penalties as voted the last Year if suffered 
to run. 



First Election After Marlborough Became a Town. 

At the Annual Town JMeeting of the town of New ]\Iarl- 
borough held according to law at the house of David Merritt on 
the first day of April, Anno Domini, 1788, was then and there 
chosen : 

Ebenezer Foote, Moderator; Benjamin Ely, Town Clerk; 
Anning Smith, Supervisor, Poors Ck. and Treasurer ; Jurion 
Maekey, Benjamin Carpenter, Peter Easterly, Assessors; John 
Woolsey, Christopher Ostrander, Collectors ; Eobert Blair, David 
Ostrander, Jun'"., Constables; David Merritt, Daniel Hasbrouck, 
Poor Masters ; Eeuben Drake, Leonard Smith, Nathaniel Kelsey, 
Commissioners of Highways; Jonathan Bro-wm, Christopher 
Ostrander, David Merritt, Pounders; David Merritt, David 
Ostrander, Eeuben Drake, Abraham Losson, Fence Viewers. 

Hoggs and rams continued as last year. 

Voted that Anning Smith, Eeuben Drake and Benjamin Ely 
to audit the poor accounts and levy money by tax on the town 
for that purpose. 

Path Masters and their lott of road numbered and respectively 
annexed to each of their names. 

No No 

Henry T. Bush 1 Anning Smith 4 

Ebenezer Foote 2 Benjamin Townsend .... 5 

John Youngs 3 Jonathan Brown 6 

6 



162 



History of Marlborough. 



No 

Andrew Cropsy 7 

John Bond 8 

Benjamin Hallock 9 

Solomon Fowler 10 

John Scott 11 

Elezer Freer 12 

Christopher Ostrander. . . 13 

Benjamin I. Freer 14 

Xathaniel Hull. Jiini'. . . . 15 

El)oi-n Hoyt ](i 

William Brundege 17 

Matthew Presler 18 

Voted that the next Town Mo 

Xo 1 Henry Ter Boss 

Caleb Merrit (S Days 

Henry Terboss 3 "' 

Josiah ^lerrit o " 

Augustus Hill 3 " 

Daniel Lockwood . . 2 " 

Annanias Valentine. 4 " 

Jacob DegToot 2 " 

Adam Cropsy 3 " 

Henry Cropsy, 3d . . 2 " 

'No 2 Ebenezer Foote 

Richard Lewis 3 Days 

Benjamin Carpenter. 4 '' 
Andrew Youngs ... 3 " 

Daniel Goff 3 " 

Cornelius Polhemols. 3 " 
John Polhemols S^. 4 " 
John Polhemols Ji'. 3 " . 

Seth Stocker 3 " 

Henry Decker 3 '"' 

Allen Lester 4 " 

James Vanblaneam . 2 " 

Henry Cropsy 3 Days 

Peter Thorp " 2 '• ' 

John Thorp 3 " 

Justin Foot 4 " 

Lewis Dubois 12 " 

Andrew Ely 3 ■ " 



No 

William Gee 19 

David Merritt 20 

Samuel Wyatt 21 

John Smith 22 

Alexand Youngs 23 

Stephen Fowler 24 

David Martin 25 

Thomas :\Iackey 26 

Solomon Combs 27 

Daniel Everitt 28 

John Coller 29 



eting bo held at David Merritt's. 

Xo 3 John Youngs 

Micajah Lewis .... 4 Days 

Cornelius Lewis ... 3 " 

Xathaniel Harcourt. 6 " 

John Harcourt 4 " 

John Woolsey (i " 

David Woolsey .... 3 " 

Alexander IMackey . . 3 " 

James Quimliy 3 " 

Enos QuimJjy 3 " 

Peter Caverly 4 " 

David Malcoml) 3 " 

X^o 4 Annixg Smith 

Thomas Tomkins . . 3 Days 

Luff Smith 6 "^ 

Uriah Coffin 3 " 

Xathan Smith 3 " 

Jehiel C. Smith 2 " 

Eliphalet Smith .... 2 " 

David Denton 3 " 

Isaac Rowley 3 " 

Solomon Ferris .... 3 " 

John Moore 3 " 

John Hall 4 " 

John Rinefield 2 " 

John Wood 3 " 

John Shiflfield 3 " 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 163 



No 5 Benjamin Towxsend 

Wilhellimus Dubois. 4 Days 

John Quick 3 " 

Xathaniel Burwell . . 2 " 

Timothy Wood 2 " 

Leonard Smith -i " 

John Peck 2 " 

Blakerley .... 2 " 

Robert Bloomer .... 2 " 

No 6 Jonathan Broavn 
Josep Mory 
Solomon Hollatt 
Gilbert Bloomer 
Benjn Ely 
Oliver Huson 
Thomas Berrian 
Abraham Quick 
Jacob Lattin 
Martha Mory 
Daniel Cook 
AVilliam Purdy 
Cornelius Turner 
Obadiah Palmer 
Peter Quick 

No 7 Andrew Cropsy 

James Meritt 3 Days 

Thomas Meritt 3 "" 

Frederick Hadley. . . 2 " 

Wheeler Case ..."... 3 " 

Isaac Bloomer 3 " 

Thurstin Wood 3 " 

Sylvenus Purdy .... 2 " 

Humphery Merritt. . 2 " 

George Waller 2 " 

Jansey 2 " 

No 8 John Bond Master 
Matthew Wygant . . 5 Days 

John Wygant 5 " 

Michael" Wygant ... 5. " 
]\Iichael Wygant Jr. 3 " 
Anthony Wygant . . 3 " 
Thomas Wvirant ... 5 " 



Robert Blair . . . 

John Case 

Josep Hollatt . . 
Henry Simpson . 
Joseph Simpson. 
Joseph Fairley. . 
Elijah Lewis . . . 
Zadok Lewis . . . 
Jonath" AYoolsey. 
Samuel Fordeck . 
Thomas Havens. 
Daniel Ivnowlton 
Noah Woolsey . . 
Richard Woolsey 
John Avery .... 
John Woolsey 
Stephen AVaring 
Ephraim Waring 
Jesse Wright . . . 
Zadok Rhodes . . . 
Thomas Shaw . . 
William Nortrup 
William Woolsey 



Junr 



2 Days 

3 "" 
2 " 
2 " 
2 " 

2 " 
6 " 

4 " 

3 " 

2 " 

4 " 

5 " 
5 " 

3 " 
3 " 
3 " 
2 " 
2 " 
2 " 
2 " 
2 " 

2 " 

3 " 



No 9 Benjamin Hallock 

Samuel Mackey .... 3 Days 

ITrion Mackey 3 " 

Elijah Ferris 3 " 

Abraham Losson ... 5 " 

Josep Plumstead ... 3 " 

Benjamin Woolsey. . 5 " 

Zadok Quimby 3 " 

Pharoh Lattin 2 " 

Elijah Gardener. ... 2 " 

Benedict Carpenter . 3 " 

No 10 Solomon Fowler M^r 

John Mackey 4 Days. 

David MacMinn 4 " 

Abel Adams 3 " 

John Fowler 3 " 

Zachariah Burwell . . 3 " 

Benjamin Sand .... 8 '' 

Al^ei Adams Senf ... 6 '^ 



164 



History of Marlboeough. 



Thomas x\.irs .... 


. 4 Days 


Asa Hall 


. 2 "" 


William Martin . . 


. 2 '' 


Bichard Burwell. . 


. 2 '' 


William St. John. 




Charles Crawford . 


2 " 


Henry Crawford. . 


. 5 " 


James Denton .... 


. 3 " 


John Duffield. ... 


. 4 " 


Elias I^ions 


O 'i 


William fSimson . 


. 3 " 


John Mackey Jun^. 


. 2 " 



No 11 JoHX Scott Path 
Master 

Philip Airs 3 Days 

John Airs 3 "" 

James Mackeylockry. 2 " 

James Petet .' ." . 2 " 

Saml Smith 2 " 

Henry Scott 2 " 

No 12 Elezer Freer Master 

John Shiiart S Days 

J olin Freer G " 

James Waters 2 '' 

Israel Hoyt 6 " 

Jonathan triphogel. . 2 '" 

Adam Baker 5 " 

John Chase 2 " 

Ichahod Williams ... 3 " 

No 14 Benjn I. Freer 

Joshua Sutton 5 Days 

Peter Berrian 4 

Benedict Carpenter. 3 

Ze])ulon Mosher 3 

William Liaison. ... 3 

Peter Quick 3 

Martin Vanevery . . 3 

Daniel Jones 3 

Nathaniel Devine . . 3 

No 15 Nathaniel Hull 

Matthew St. John . . 3 Days 

Thos Kelsey 4 " 



Peter Tillue Senr.'. . 5 Days 

James Tillue 3 " "^ 

Jonathan Lilly 3 " 

Jeriah Rhodes 4 " 

Simmons 2 " 

Noah St. John 3 " 

No 16 Erboijx Hoyt 

Edmon Turner .... G Davs 

Nathan Ellitt 3 "' 

Isaac Lockwood .... 3 " 

John Griflfin 3 " 

Isaac Garrison .... 3 " 

Ebenezer St. John. . 3 " 

No 17 William Bruxderidge 

Sand Merritt 6 Days 

William Place 4 "' 

William Mackintire. 3 " 

George Merritt .... 3 " 

Nathaniel Wyatt ... 3 " 

Eeuben Bloomer. ... 3 '' 

Samuel Dolson 3 " 

Edward Coe 3 " 

No 19 William Gee 

Peter Ostrander . . . S Days 

Blaw Water ... 3 "" 

Peter Friesen 3 " 

Peter Esterly G " 

Moricus Ostrander. . 7 " 

Daniel Ostrander ... 3 " 

HarimanusTerwilger 2 " 

William Ealyea .... 5 " 

Hendrick Ostrander. 8 " 

No 20 David Merrit 

Eichard Carpenter. , 6 Days 

John Cayerly Senr. . 4 "' 

John Caverlv Jun^. . 3 " 

Philip Caverly 4 " 

Stephen Douglass . . 3 " 

John Dennis 3 " 

HeniY Hyde 3 " 

Dayid Turner 4 " 

Josep Carpenter .... 2 " 



Precixct and Town Meetings and Records. 165 



Jeremiah Barnhart. . 3 Days 

Peter Barnhart .... 3 " 

Charles Kyse 3 "' 

Peter Miller 2 " 

Merritt Moore 2 '*' 

Hezekiah Smith .... 3 " 

Eight Carpenter. ... 3 "' 

Gad Wilier 4 " 

Griffin 2 " 

Xo 21 Samuel AVyatt 

Eichard Garrison. . . 5 Days 

^ohn Gerow 5 " 

William Gerow .... 5 " 

Daniel Gerow 3 " 

Ely Gerow 2 " 

John Gee 5 "' 

Andrew Gee 4 " 

Andrew Garrison... 3 " 

Abraham Eussel .... 3 " 

Asa Enssel 2 " 

Jeremiah Eles 3 " 

Jacol) Brown 2 " 

Hezekiah Coiitant. . . 3 " 

Peter Contant 3 " 

William Blank 3 " 



Solomon Lane 2 Days 

John Cronk 2 " 

Xath'l Plumstead. . . 2 " 

Xo 22 JoHX M. Smith 

Xehemiah Smith... 6 Davs 

Wm. Mosher 3 "" 

Job St. John 5 " 

Adam St. John 4 " 

Joseph St. John .... 3 "' 

John St. John 4 " 

Xathl Kelsey 7 " 

Asa Hall .'. 4 " 

Anthonv Devol 3 " 

Xathl Hnll Senr. . . 5 ^' 

Ezekiel Hull 3 " 

Xo 26 Thomas Mackey 

David ilackey 3 Days 

Charles Mackey Jun. 3 " 

Mathew Benedict . . 4 '' 

Xathl Quimby 4 " 

Moses Quimby 5 " 

Ebenezer St. John 

Jun. . .■ 2 " 

Uriah Eaiment 2 " 

Jeremiah Burdon ... 2 " 



Separation of Plattekill. 

The following is a record of the proceedings wherel^y the 
town of Marl])orough was divided and Plattekill was erected in 
1799: 

Voted that the sum of one hundred and seventy pounds be 
raised for the support and maintenance of the poor for the en- 
suing year. 

Voted that the Constables and Collectors shall give security 
for the due performance of their offices. 

Voted that the next annual Town meeting be held at the house 
of Benajah and Samuel AYrights in Pleasant Valley. 

And by agTeement l)etween the people on the west side of the 
mountains and those on the east side, the Town meeting is to 
be held alternately on the west and east side of the mountains, 
and when the Town meeting is held on the west side, the Super- 



166 History of Marlborough. 

visor is to be elected from the same place, and when held on 
the ea'st side the Supervisor is to l)e elected there likewise. 

At a special To\ni meeting held at the house of Robert Gil- 
more, in the Town of ^Marlborough, the eighth day of ]\Iarch, 
one thousand eight hundred, agreeable to public notice for that 
purpose given. — the following notes were by a majority entered 
into, viz : 

Voted that the Town of Marlborough be divided into two 
Towns as follows; (provided the assent of the Legislature can 
be obtained for that juirpose.) l^eginning on the line l)etween the 
Town of Xewburgh and the Town of ]\farll)orough two chains 
and seventy-five links east of the northwest corner of the live 
patentees, from thence northward on a straight line to the 
most eastermost line of Eobert Tifffs land where it joins the 
line of the Town of Xew Paltz. 

Toted also that the new Town on the Avest side of the moun- 
tains be called the Town of Patteekiln; and the first Town meet- 
ing l)e held at the house of Eobert Gilmore. And the re- 
mainder of the Town on tlie east side of the mountains retain 
the present name of ]Marll)orough ; and the first Town meeting 
be held at the house of David ^lerritt in Lating Town. 

Voted that Joseph Morey, Esq. and Cornelius Drake l)e ap- 
pointed to carry a petition, and the proceedings of this meeting 
to the-* Legislature, and to have twenty-four doHars for their 
services to be paid by the Town. 

At the annual Town meeting of the Freeholders and Inhal)it- 
ants of the Town of ]\[arlborough held at the house of David 
Merritt on Tuesday the first day of April in the year one thou- 
sand eight hundred, (agreeal)le to an Act of the Legislature 
of the State of Xew York, for dividing the Town of ]\Iarl- 
borough in the County of Ulster), the folloAnng persons were 
by a majority of votes elected Town officers for the ensuing 
year; and the following notes were l)y a majority entered into 
for the ensuing year. 

Benjamin Carpenter, Moderator; Benjomin Townsend, Town 
Clerk; Benjamin Ely, Supervisor: Ludlam Smith. Joseph ]\rorey, 
Esq., ]\richael AVigant, Jr., Assessors; Samuel Adams, John 
Haitt, Daniel Lockwood, Commissioners of Highways; Samuel 
Adams, David Staples, Esq., Overseers of the Poor: Lewis Du- 
bois. Jr., Collector: William S. Drake, Robert Bhiir. Constal)les; 
Nathaniel Kelsev, Michael Wigant, Jr., Peter McCoun, Charles 
Millard, Commissioners of Schools; Humphrey Merritt, Lewis 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 167 

Dubois, Jr., Xoah AVoolsey, David Merrit, Solomon Fowler, 
Thomas Mac-key. Anning Smith, Elijah Lewis, Pound Masters 
and Fence Viewers. 

Overseers of the Highways. — Annanias Yolentine, Xo. 1; 
Charles Millard, Xo. 2 ; John Woolsey, Xo. 3 ; Anning Smitli, 
Xo. 4 ; Xoah "Woolsey, Xo. 5 ; Joseph Morey, Esq., Xo. 6 ; Thomas 
Pinkney, Xo. T ; David Staples, Esq., Xo. 8 ; James Teller, Xo. 9 ; 
Solomon Fowler, Xo. 10; Jacob Eansom, Xo. 11; John Bailey, 
Xo. 12 ; Ebenezer St. John, Jr., Xo. 13 ; Eobert Bloomer, Jr., 
Xo. 14; David Merritt, Xo. 15; Benjamin Carpenter, Xo. 16; 
Elipalet Smith, Xo. 17 ; James Hallock, Xo. 18 ; Mathew Bene- 
dict, Xo. 19; Xathaniel Sellick, Xo. 20; Samuel Drake, Xo. 21. 

Voted that the Constables and Collector give security for the 
due performance of their offices. 

Voted that there he two Constables in the Town for the en- 
suing year. 

Voted that the sum of fifty-five pounds be raised in the Town 
in the ensuing year for the support and maintenance of the poor. 

Voted that the poor maintained l)y the Town shall be sold 
at public vendue. 

Voted that the sum of twenty-four dollars paid ])y the Over- 
seers of the Poor, for defraying the expense of carrying a peti- 
tion to All)any for dividing the To\ni of ]\rarll)orough, be paid 
by the Overseers, themselves. 

Voted that the next annual Town meeting be held at the 
house of Xathaniel Barcourt. 

Benjamin Townsend, Town Clerk; Benjamin Ely, Supervisor; 
Ludlam Smith, ]Michael AVigant, Jr., and Joseph jMorey, Esq., 
Assessors ; Samuel Adams, John Haitt and Daniel Lockwood, 
Commissioners of Highways ; Samuel Adams and David Staples, 
Overseers of the Poor ; Lewis Dubois, Jr., Collector ; William 
Drake and Eobert Blair, Constables. 

Sworn in their respective offices as the law directs. 

The al)ove Pound Masters and Fence Viewers and the Over- 
seers of the HighAvays above named sworn as the law directs. 

Benjamin Townsend, 

Town Clerk. 

List of Overseers of the Higliways for the year 1800, together 
with tlie names of the men on each road district and the num- 
ber of Davs each one is assessed. 



168 



History of Marlborough. 



Xo. 1 Days 

Annanias A'olentine P M. . . 7 

John J. E. Eobert 9 

Josiah Meritt 7 

John D. Silvia S 

Gabriel Meritt 3 

James Henr^r 2 

Jacob Cropsey 2 

Josiah AVard 1 

Samuel Meritt 1 

Lnff Carpenter 2 

Mobnry Carpenter 2 

Austin Meritt 2 

Henry TerBusli G 

Xo. 2 

Charles Millard G 

Lewis Dubois IG 

Daniel Loekwood G 

Lewis Dubois, Jr 2 

Joseph Cromwell 4 

Andrew Cropsey 2 

Andrew Ely 3 

AVilliam Duljois 6 

Abraham Quick 2 

Cornelus Polhamus 3 

Xathaniel Bailey 2 

Adam Cropsey 3 

Henry Cropsey 3 

Allen Liester 5 

Elum Clark 3 

Stephen Years 3 

Xo. 3 

John Woolsey 9 

Jonathan Jordan 3 

John Youngs 7 

Xathaniel Harcourt 10 

John Wood 9 

Ruben Xichols 3 

Elizabeth Lewis 4 

Edward Youngs 3 

Xo. 4 

Anning Smitli 12 

Benjamin Sands 8 



Days 

John Davis 3 

George Westlick 7 

li()l)ert Simmons 1 

James Hull 3 

Jacolj Eowley 3 

Phebe Smitli 3 

Xo. 5 

Xoah Woolsey 7 

Jesse Lyons 3 

Volentine Lewis 4 

Jonathan Wright 3 

Samuel Lyons 5 

James Woolsey 3 

Amos Bradbury 1 

Benjamin Townsend 4 

Gilbert ]\Licklerath 3 

Stephen Ehods 3 

Xo. 6 

Jose|)h Aforey 5 

Joshua Lounsl)errv 6 

William Drake . '. 6 

Benj. Ely 9 

Joseph Caverlv 3 

Xath'l Caverly 4 

Charles Brown 11 

Jonathan Brown, Jr G 

Oljadiah Brown 4 

Oliver Huson 1 

Isaac Quiml)y 3 

Xo. 6 Continued 

Joseph Degroat 1 

Peter Caverly 3 

Benj. Sutton 1 

Lil)e Quimlty 8 

Xo. 7 

Thomas Pinkney 7 

Isaac Elliott 3 

Joseph Meritt 3 

Samuel Purdy 3 

Roger Purdy 3 

Robert Blair 4 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 169 



No. 7 Days 

Moris Meritt 2 

Hiuiiphre}' Meritt 1 

Mathew Cropsey 4 

Jothain Thorne . 5 

Whitfield Case 3 

No. 8 

David Staples, Esq 8 

John Wigant 8 

Sarah Birdsall 5 

Jeremiah Sabin, Jr 2 

Wm. Silkworth 2 

John Bont 5 

Anthony ^^'igant 5 

Miachael Wigant, Jr 5 

Mathew Wigant 8 

John Case 3 

Michael Wigant 2 

Xo. 9 

James Teller 4 

Alexander Mackey 2 

Silvanus Purdy 4 

Wm. MeEntere 1 

Solomon Purdy 2 

Jiirion Mackey 2 

Joseph Plinnsted 1 

Jeremiah Woolsey 3 

Pharoah Latting 1 

Samuel Winslow 3 

William Woolsey 3 

Solomon Utter 2 

John Purdy 2 

No. 10 

Solomon Fowler 9 

Samuel Adams 9 

Abel Adams 4 

Thomas Airs 7 

Henry Crawford 7 

John Mackey 7 

Levi Mackey 2 

Jehoida Mellam 2 

John Fowler 2 



Days 

Yardanant Grigs 3 

Asa Martin 2 

Elijah Fowler 3 

Joshua Fowler 3 

William Martin 2 

John Sands 5 

Peter MCoun 3 

Isaac Hill G 

No. 11 

Jacob Eansoni 8 

Jereiah Rhodes 2 

John Carpenter 4 

John Duffield 10 

William ]\rosher 1 

Nathl Kelsey, Jr 4 

No. 11 

George Mackey 2 

No. 12 

John Belly, P. M 8 

James Quimby 7 

Samuel ]\Iackey 2 

Elisha Purdy 4 

George Wigant 2nd 3 

Henry Mabie 1 

Gilbert Thorne 3 

Wheeler Case 3 

Peter Mabie 2 

No. 13 

Ebenezer St. John, Jr 3 

Zadock Ehodes 3 

Joseph Rhodes 4 

John Mackey. Jr 4 

Ebenezer St. John 1 

Stephen Douglas 3 

Henry Quick 2 

Daniel Loekwood 2 

William St. John 1 

Samuel St. John 2 

David Brush 1 



170 



History of Marlborough. 



No. 14 Days 

Eobert Bloomer, Jr 4 

Jeremiah Sabins T 

William Place 3 

Abraham Hoigg 4 

Nehemiali Hoigg 4 

Isaac Bloomer 5 

Benjamin Anderson 3 

Edward Coe 4 

James j\reritt 5 

Jeremiah Meritt 3 

Thomas Bingham 4 

Thomas Meritt 2 

Eoljert Bloomer 2 

Isaac j\Ieritt 4 

No. 15 

David Meritt, P. M 8 

Henry Woolsey 5 

AVilliam B. Woolsey 5 

Philip Caverly 5 

Latting Caverly 2 

Eichard Caverly 2 

John Caverly, Jr 3 

Richard Carpenter 8 

John Haitt 4 

Malicah Gillis 1 

Thomas Wigant 9 

George Winslow 3 

Joseph Winslow 3 

Uriah Eaymond 3 

Jeremiah Cole 2 

Smith Dinmore 2 

Jonathan Woolsey 2 

Isaac Hulse 3 

Mathew Wigant 2 

No. 16 

Benjamin Carpenter 4 

Benjamin Carpenter, Jr. . . 2 

kSanuiel Carpenter 2 

Peter Barnheart 4 

Angus Cambell 2 

Levi Quimby 3 

George Wigant 5 



Days 

Wright Carpenter 4 

William Lineson 4 

David Weed 7 

No. 17 

Eliphalet Smith u 

Clark Smith 6 

John Smith 8 

Ludlam Smith 8 

Nathaniel Kelsey 8 

Charles Crawford 1 

Henry Cutler 1 

James Pride 1 

No. 18 

James Hallock 12 

Alexander Youngs 8 

John Williams 5 

Nehemiah Smith 5 

Iiichard Woolsey, Jr 2 

James Folwer 6 

Elias :Mackey 3 

John Mackey 3 

Jeremiah Mackey 4 

John Rhodes 6 

Gardner Earle 2 

Zadok Lewis 4 

Patrick Powers 2 

Jacob Brush 2 

John Hill 2 

Jurion ]\Iackey 1 

Jurian Mackey, Jv. . . - . 2 

No. 19 

Mathew Benedict 6 

Nathaniel Quimby 4 

Moses Quimby 6 

Thomas Mackey 8 

Mathew Mackey 2 

No. 20 

Nath'l Sellick 4 

Elijah Lewis 4 

Nathaniel Woolsey 2 

Foster Hallock 5 



Peecinct and Town Meetings and Records. 171 



^0. 20 Days 

Peter Plough 2 

Joshua Sutton 7 

Stephen Sutton 2 

Oliver Hall 3 

Eobert Loclavood 2 

John Sheffield 2 

Xathan Sheffield 1 



No. 21 Days 

Samuel Drake 6 

Henry TerBush 6 

Jonathan TerBusli 2 

Jeremiah Barnheart 2 

^lathew Barnheart 2 

Asa Eutsev 2 



The Mex Who Lived Here in 1818. 

Benjamin Townsend, Town Clerk; Eiehard I. Woolsey. Super- 
visor; Allen Lester, Gabriel Merritt and Xathaniel Chittenden, 
Assessors; William Soper, Daniel Lester and John W. Wygant, 
Commissioners of Highways; John Haitt, Cornelus Dubois, 
Overseers of the Poor; Richard Woolsey, Collector; Eiehard 
Woolsey, Gabriel Merritt, Peter H. Caveriy, Adolph D. Brower, 
Constables ; William Soper, Benjamin Townsend, Samuel Drake, 
Commissioners of Common Schools; Xathaniel Chittenden, 
Augustus H. Conklin, James I. Ostram, Stephen S. Eand, Eieh- 
ard Smith, and Edward Coe, Inspectors of Common Schools; 
Alexander Cropsey, Daniel Wvgant, David Staples, Jr., Jonathan 
Kent, Cornelius Dubois, Xathaniel Harcourt, Jr., Pound Mast- 
ers and Fence Viewers. 

Overseers and men on each road district: 



District Xo. 
Gabriel Meritt 
Henry Ter Booss 
Alexander Cropsey 
John Cropsey 
Josiah Merritt, Jr. 
Francis Fegarro 
John Buckley 
Jeffry Lewe 
John Thorn 
Andrew Cropsey 2 
Charles Meritt 
Anthony Seamon 
Daniel G. Eussell 
Samuel Lock wood 
Peter Milden 
Jeremiah Cropsey, Jr. 



District Xo. 
Cornelus Dubois 
Aron G. Page 
Andrew Ely 
David I. :\feritt 
Cornelius Polhamus 
James Cropsev 
Seth Ely 
John Polhamus 
George Fowler 
John Conger 
Abraham Decker 
Elijah Cleavland 
Eli Pardie 
Xath'l Dubois 
Jesse Vanburen 
Andrew Cropsey 



172 



History of Marlborough. 



Humphry Mory 
Samuel Cropsey 
David ]\Iackey 
John Havens 

District No. 3 
Zadock Lewis 
Nathaniel Harconrt 
ISTathaniel Harconrt Jr. 
John Ehoades, Jr. 
Benjamin Harconrt 
Edward Young 
Henry Woolsey 
Eichard Ehoades 
David Conklin 
Stephen Eand 
]\Iichael Lecost 
John Eansoni 
Elijah Lewis, Jr. 
Loten Lewis 
Hiram Lewis 

District Xo. i 
Jonathan Kent 
Al)Solom Barrett 
Adolph D. Brower 
Francis Pell 
Jonathan Woolsey 
Luke C. Quick 
Anning Smith 
David Selleck 
Eol)ert Gilmer 
Sylvester Strong 
Lewis Quick 
Jonathan Wood 
Henry King 
John Anthony 
Benjamin Anthony 
John Sands 
Augustus H. Conklin 
Moses Birdsall 
John Noyes 
John Davis 
Daniel W. Knap 



District Xo. 5 
Benjamin Townsend 
Moses Quimhy 
Amos Quimljy 
John Palmateer 
Isaac Harris 
Simeon Doty 
Ahraham Young 
Zephaniah Xortrip 
Xoah AVoolsey 
Stephen Mackey 
William Lyon 
William Lyon, Jr. 
Eichard L. Strickland 
Volentine Lewis 
]\Iiram Lewis 

District Xo. 6 
David Staples, Jr. 
Charles Brown 
John S. Purdy 
James Quimliy 
Joshua Lounsbury 
Al)raham Ely 
Eichard Smith 
Isaac Qnimby 
Allen Lester 
Daniel Lester 
John Waters 
Ohediah Brown 
Xathl Huson 
Daniel Underwood 
Easwell Stiles 
Samuel Quim1)y 

District Xo. 7 
George Wygent 2 
Eichard Dubois 
Eobert Blair 
Joseph Meritt 
Daniel Wygant 
John Canfield 
Tunis Dolson 
Charles Jennings 
John E. Brown 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 173 



District N"o, 8 
John Bont 
Nathaniel Wygant 
George Birdsall 
Edmond Birdsall 
David Staples 
Isaac Lockwood 
William Lockwood 
Barnard Bont 
Charles Tooker 
Ira Staples 
James Dexter 

District Xo. 9 
Joseph Harcoiirt 
Urion Mackey 
Jeremiah Barnheart 
Sylvaniis Purdy 
Eichard Woolsey 
Smith Wood 
William Smith 
Sylvanus Purdy, Jr. 
David I. Meritt 
Austin ]\Ieritt 

District No. 10 
AVilliam Soper 
Eichard Woolsey, Jr. 
Jonas Denton 
Malciah Gillis 
Daniel Lockwood 
John Cole 
Jacob Eowley 
Abraham Lawson, Jr. 
William Bolton 
John Hallock 
William Dowe 
Peter ]\ICoim 
Uriah Coffin 
William Gidney 
Ferdinand Grigs 
Elida Watkins 
Elmasa Perkins 
Widow Fowler 



Eobert Brown 
Xath'l Chittenden 
William Xoyes 
Nathan Perkins 
Asa Martin 
Abraham D. Soper 

District No. 11 
Josiah Meritt 
John Duffield 
John Eaymond 
William Mackey 
Eliphalet Smith 
Daniel Mackey 
Jeremiah Dun 
Josiah Cooper 
Elias Mathews 
Joseph Dubois 
Jacob Belly 
Solomon Martin 
Obadiah Knowlton 

District No. 12 
Daniel Kniflfin 
Stephen Staples 
Nathaniel Belly 
John F. Kniffin 
Gilbert Kniffin 
John Kniffin, Jr. 
John Belly 
Nicholas Belly 
Elisha Purdy 
Nathaniel Purdy 

District No. 13 
Henry Quick 
David Smith, Jr. 
John Fowler 
John Eoe 
Hugh Eiley 

District No. 14 
Isaac Bloomer 
Benj'n Anderson 



174 



History of Marlboeough. 



Jeremiah Howell 
Edward Coe 
Xehemiah Meritt 
Thomas Bingham 
Eobert Bloomer 
George M;eritt 
Gilbert Thorn 
Isaac Meritt 
Robert E. Bloomer 
Daniel Bloomer 
Solomon Mosher 
Joseph Hunt 
John Qiiiml)y 
James Gohman 
Henry Cosman 

District Xo. 15 
Thomas Wvgant 
John Haitt 
David AVoolsey 
John AVood 
Latting Gaverly 
David Meritt 
John Caverly 
Mathew Wygant 
Isaac Hnlse 
John "Woolsey 
Eichard Carpenter 
Carpenter C*averly 
Joseph Strait 
Charles Craft 
Jonas Mackey 
John B. AVygant 

District Xo. 16 
Samuel Waters 
Zadock Ehoads 
David Mackey 
Levi Mackey 
John Ehoads 
Cornelus Ehoads 
William Lyneson 
William Wygant 
Jeremiah Cole 



Asael Thrasher 
Eassel Holmes 
George Wygant 
Hatfield Morgan 
Gilbert Morgan 

District Xo. 17 
Eol)ert Chaml)ers 
Xathaniel Kelse_y 
John M. Smith 
Thomas Smith 
Enos Hart 
James Stone 
Peter Crookstone 
Mathew ]\Iackey 

District Xo. 18 
Xathaniel Clark 
John T. Hallock 
IVlig Ehoads 
Eichard I. Woolsey 
John Sheffield 
EoI)ert Young 
Ehuhama Adams 
Joshua ]\Iartin 

District Xo. 19 
Gilbert F. :\rondon 
Xehemiah L. Smith 
James Hull 
Al>igael Crawford 
Mathew Benedict 
Ecter Barnheart 
James York 
Cl,arles Mackey 3 
Jeremiah Mackey 2 
Thomas Mackey, Jr 
James Malcom 
Xathaniel Quimby 
Thomas Mackey 
Jacob Quimb}^ 
Eul)en D. JMackey 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 175 



District No. 20 
Foster Hallock 
Micajah Lewis 
Michael White 
Eobert Moses 

District Xo. 21 
Samuel Drake 
Cornbury Dayton 
William Degroat 
Daniel Quimby 
Peter Mabie 
James Milspaugh 
John Miller 
John Underwood 

District Xo. 22 
HeniT C. ]\Iackey 
Stephen Ehoads 
William Ehoads 
Stephen Woolsey 
Joseph Berrian 
Benj'n Atherton 
Jesse Lyon 
Peter Eoe 
Mathew Barrian 

District Xo. 23 
Joseph Plumstead 
Joseph St. John 
Michael Wygant 

District Xo. 24 
John W. Wygant 
Ezra Waring 
John Case 
Oliver Staples 



jNIathew Wygant 
^Michael Wygant 
Michael Wygant 3 
James Wygant 

District Xo. 
Lewis Du1)ois 
Daniel Hicks 
Joseph LockwOod 
Charles Millard 
James Millard 

District Xo. 
David Sands 
Josiah Lockwood 
Joseph King 
Hezekiah Smith 
Harvey Gregory 
Phillip Woolsey 

District Xo. 
]\Iartin Cole 
Jacob Lawson 
Eichard Caverly 
Phillip Caverly 
Peter H. Caverly 
Phillip Caverly, Jr. 

District Xo. 
Peter Quimby 
James Fowler, Jr. 
James Fowler 
Alexander Young 
Caleb Fowler 
James Harton 



26 



28 



The Men Who Lived Here in 1840. 
Lewis W. Yomig, Supervisor; Hezekiah Hull, Town Clerk; 
Josiah W. Carpenter, Justice of the Peace; William Martin, 
William Hallock, and Joseph Lockwood, Assessors ; James Sher- 
man and Svlvanus Purdy, Overseers of the Poor ; Cornelius Car- 
penter, Jeremiah Clark, and Carpenter Caverly, Commissioners 
of Highwavs; Jolm B. Wygant, Wygant Merritt, and Jacob P. 



176 



History of Marlboeough. 



Townsend, Commissioners of Common Schools; Moses Everitt, 
Daniel Lewis, and Jacob Young, Inspectors of Common Schools ; 
Eenms Woolsey, Collector; Eemus Woolsey, Thomas Bingham, 
and Stephen B. IMackey, Constables; James Rowley, Town 
Sealer; Jonathan Kent, Pound Master. 
Overseers and men on each road district : 



District No. 1 
Benjamin Oddy . 
Andrew Oddy 
Ezekiel Velie 
Elisha Pnrdy 
Phelje Pnrdy 
Sarah Drake 
James Dickison 
David Simpson 
Thomas Townsend 
John Buckly 
John Brooks 
James Huson 
George Felter 
James Graves 
Joseph Brooks 
Gal)riel Merritt 
Leonard S. Carpenter 
Dennis H. Doyle 
Yolentine Cropsey 
Henry Cropsey 
Charles Merritt 
Jacob Eichner 
Josiah W. Carpenter 
Isaac Terwil lager 
Charles X. Brower 
John Brower 
Nathaniel DuBois 
Lewis Supreme 
Fegarrow F. Milden 
Al)raham Blake 
David I. Merritt 
Thomas Cropsey 
Jeremiah Terwillager 
John ]\Iabee 
Joseph Prince 
Joshua Brooks 



"^.V i do w Fega r ro w 
Pricilla Milden 

District No. 2 
Miles J. Fletcher 
Henry H. Holden 
Henry H. Holden, Ten. 
Jeremiah Clark 
(*ornelius DuBois 
Andrew Ely 
AVilliam Kelly 
David ^I organ 
Joseph Hepworth 
Bernard Wygant 
John B. Wygant 
Harvey Wygant 
IJobert Spence 
AVilliam Mcllrath 
Eli as Howell 
Nathaniel Baiiey 
Benjamin F. Patton 
Bernard Baily 
Eobert B. Mapes 
Nathaniel Huson 
Curtis AVright 
Lewis Quick 
William Lyons, Jr. 
Samuel Bond 
Josiah C. DuBois 
Leonard Adams 
Nathaniel Deyo 

Passmore 

Hiram Benscoten 
Daniel Mackev 
Asa T. AA^right 
John AA^. Cropsey 
Lewis Smith 



Pbecifct and Town Meetings and Records. 177 



Spence & Mcllrath 
Mobury Carpenter 
Isaac Purely 

District No. 3 
Thomas Burling 
Daniel Lewis 
Ruth Lewis 
John Lawson 
David Young 
Henry Woolsey (Heirs) 
Edward Young 
William Holmes 
Daniel Lester 
Eeuben Quick 
Benjamin Ehoads 
^Nathaniel Hallock 
' John Hull 
Gilbert Terwillager 
John Lawson (Tenant) 
Augustus Ehoads 
William Anderson 

District No. 4 
Benjamin Anthony 
Josiah L. Dow 
Absalom Barrett 
Jacob P. Townsend 
Jonathan Kent 
Elizabeth Ehoads 
Stephen E. Eoe 
William Coffin 
John Y. Barrett 
Lydia Smith 
Samuel Purdy 
William Gidney 
Thomas Bates 
William Coffin (Ten) 
Cornelius Lockwood 
Jacob Eowley, Jr. 
Joseph Miller 
John A. Ackerly 
Joseph Ferris 
Henry King 



Joseph I. Pollock 
John Sands 
Henry Brown 
David Gidney 
Charles Davis 
Ichabod Williams 
Craft & Smith 
Eufus Ehoads 
Oliver P. Kent 
James Woolsey 
Stephen Yelverton 
Philetus Colman 
Joel Hornbeek 
John Anthony 
Samuel Barrett 
Forlnis Poroperty 
George Potter 
Enos Yan Siclen 

District No. 5 
John AVoolsey 
Eichard I. Woolsey 
William Lyons 
Matthew T. Berrean 
'Samuel Berrean 
Zephaniah Nortrip 
Sherbourn Sears 
Jacol)us Newkirk 

District No. 6 
Thomas S. Warren 
David Staples 
Isaac Fowler 
Dennis Purdy 
John S. Purdy 
Charles Tooker 
Benjamin Harcourt 
Jerdon Dobbs 
James C. Harcourt 
David Fowler 
Samuel Warren 
John D. Crook 
James Clark 
David T. Merritt 



178 



HisxoRY OF Marlborough. 



Samuel Herbert 
Jonathan Herse 
Thomas Brown 
Daniel S. Mackey 
George Barnheart 
Carpenter Caverly 
Mary Quiniby 
Cornelius Quimby 
James Scott 
Daniel Scott 
William L. Scott 

District No. 7 
Burns Wygant 
Joseph Lockwood 
Eli T. Lockwood 
Daniel S. Birdsall 
Joso]:)h ]\Ierritt 
Isaac Staples 
Eleazor Gidney 
Garret DuBois 
Samuel P. Hulsey 
Daniel Pierce 
John DuBois 
Moses Everitt 

District No. 8 
Henry Bont 
Nathaniel Wygant 
Daniel Tooker 
William W. Lockwood 
Eliazabeth Bingham 
George Birdsall 
Charles Birdsall 
Nelly Porter 
Bernard Bont 
John P. Porter 
Joseph Thompson 
William McConnell 

District No. 9 
Hackaliah Purdy 
Sylvanus Purdy 
Francis Mackey 



Daniel Underwood 
Lewis Rhoads 

District No. 10 
Pobert Brown 
Jos. Lockwood 
Eemus Woolsey 
Luther Pratt 
Pratt Hull 
L'obt. S. Lockwood 
James Denton 
James Sherman 
Henry Maguill 
Jacob Eowley 
Daniel Eowley 
Melkiah Gillis 
William L. Mackey 
Stephen B. Mackey 
Sarah Ellsworth 
George Hallock 
Jeremiah Mackey 
A. J. M. Smith 
L. Harrison Smith 
V/arren Scott 
Nath'n Woolsev, Jr. 
(^harles Decker 
I'avid E. Ostrander 
Dewitt Nelson 
Stephen Ehoads 
Edgar D. Gillis 
Jacob H. Gillis 
William Soper 
Thomas Baker 
James Eowley 
Eleanor Duffield 
Elijah E. Ehoads 
Absalom J. Barrett 
Elias Mackey 
Jonathan Ostrander 
Smith More 
John Soper 
Aaron Staples 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 179 



District No. 11 
William L. Ehoads 
James A. Disbrevv 
Foi-ris Malcomlj 
Ilenrv Maxem 
Elizabeth Malcomb 
Eliphalet Smith 
Selleck Carpenter 
Hiram Campbell 
Alen Quick 
John Thomas 

District No. 12 
James Wygant 
John C. Kniffin 
Barney Benson 
James E. Kniffin 
Nelson Henell 
Eobert L. Harris 
Da,niel Birdsall 
j\rary Kniflfin 
Emra Wygant 
James Quimby, Jr. 

District No. 13 
John P. Palmateer 
John Palmateer 
John St. John 
Widow Thompson 
James Stone 
Jacol) Baily 
Zachariah Ellis 
David Malcolm 
William Dayton 
David ]\riller 

District Xo. 14 
Isaac L. Harris 
Elienezer Kniffin 
Stephen H. Benjamin 
Elliott Howell 
Isaac Merritt 
John Turner 
James Bloomer 



Eobt. E. Bloomer 
Deborah Eand 
John Coovert 
David Cosman 
Chester Kniffin 
Daniel Wygant 

District No. 15 
Isaac E. Fowler 
Latin Caverly 
John Shorter 
David M. Hail 
John Wood 
Isaac E. Fowler 
Henry Cosman 
Abraham WooUey 
William Woolley 
Martha Craft 
]\Iatthew T. Wygant 
David Craft 
Channcy Wygant 
Austin Merritt 
Isaac Maston 
Joseph Lyneson 
Jacob Shorter 
Sanford Shorter 
Jonathan Caverly 
Jacob Cosman 
John Ellsworth 
Isaac Quimby 

District No. 16 
Zadock Ehoads 
David W. Woolsey 
William Wygant 
Levi Crosby 
Cornelius Ehoads 
Lewis Ehoads 
Annanias Quick 
John S. Eoe 
Abraham Tuttle 
John Holden 
John B. Holden 
John Terperning 



180 



History of Marlboeough. 



Jeddediah Elioads 
Thorn ]\tackey 
Isaac Winn 
John DuBois 
Levi Mackey 
John L. Rhoads 
Ebenezer Crosberry 
William Mackey 
Lewis Ehoads 3 

District. No. 17 
Isaac B. Purdy 
Eobt. Chambers 
Jacob Yonng 
Isaac Young 
Andrew Owens 
Uriah Coflfin 
Jesse Sherman 
Isaac Tomkins 

District No. 18 
William Hallock 
Thomas Woolsey 
John Yonng 
John T. Hallock 
Nathl Clark 

District No. 19 
James Halt 
Oliver Hnll 
David Adams 
Samuel Adams 
Thomas Smith 
Denton Smith 
Joseph DuBois 
Piirdy Hadley 
Thomas N. Mackey 
Henry Hull 

Rosecronse 

District No. 20 
Gershum Thorn 
James Latin 
Richard R. Fowler 



Thomas Bingham 
Thomas Bingham, Jr. 
Selah Dickerson 
Eveline Hanford 
Nehemiah Merritt 
Gilbert Thorn 
Thomas Taylor 
Peter T. Knifhn 
Chester Kniffin 

District No. 23 
Nathaniel Harcourt 
Stephen Woolsey 
John Anderson 
John Anderson, Jr. 
Samuel Stratton 
Emra Rhodes 
William King 

District No. 23 
Thaddeus Baxter 
David Staples 2 
Bartholomew Baxter 
James Staples 
Daniel St. John 
Edward DuBois 
Joseph Plumstead 
Henry Plumbstead 
Uriah Plumbstead 

District No. 24 
Asa S. Wygant 
John W. Wygant 
Michael AVygant 
Cornls. Wygant 
John Fowler 

District No. 25 
Lewis W. Young 
Anna DuBois 
Nathl. H. DuBois 
Robt. Beebe 
R. Beebe & Co. 
Carpenter & Spence 



Precinct and Town Meetings and Kecords. 181 



Joseph More 
Oliver Coovert 
Henry Mal)ee 
Nathi. Strait 
John Scott 
Henry King 

Colman 
Hugh McCreary 
Hance McCreary 
John C'ohnan 

District No. 26 
Sumner Cohnan 
Charles A. Bloomer 
Henry Hamblin 
David Sands 
Nathl. Williams 
James Attarton 

District Xo. 27 
Peter H. Caverly 
Jacob Lavton 
Smith Ehoads 
Thomas Blomer 
Isaac Quiniby 

District No. 28 
Daniel Quick 
John Eckert 
Michael Quimby 
Charles Davis 
Philip Fowler 
Abraham Young 
Pichard Birdsall 
John Davis 
Calvin Smith 



Jeremiah Mackey 
Philip Mackey 
Harvey Wygant 

District No. 30 
Alexander Young 
William Young 
David Sole 
Adolphus Smith 
John Clark 
William Swart 
John Vandemark 
John D. Quimby 
James Quiml^y 
Walter Blair " 

District No. 31 
Gill>ert Caverly 
Thomas Mcllrath 
Cornelius DuBois 
Charles DuBois 
David DuBois 

District No. 32 
Nathl. Harcourt, Jr. 
Joseph Harcourt 
IMatthew Harcourt 
Smith Wood 
Jacob Wood 

District No. 34 
Benjamin F. Townsend 
Elijah Lewis 
Benjamin Townsend 
Calvin Bulkelv 



CHAPTER VI. 

Ancient Roads. 

There appears to have been two roads, one called 
the Lattin Town road and the other the Platter Kill 
road. These were certainly the oldest roads, and were 
most likely- laid out by Capt. Thomas Ellison, Capt. 
Alexander Colden and Zachariah Hoffman, commis- 
sioners appointed by an Act of Assembly in 1743 for 
the better clearing and further laying out of public 
roads for the Precinct of the Highlands; or by Capt. 
Jonathan Hasbrouck, Lewis DuBois and Samuel 
Fowler, as commissioners for the Precinct of New- 
burgh, appointed by an act of the Legislature in 
1762, as all subsequent roads refer in their descrip- 
tion to these roads, but I can find no record of them. 
The old Highland Precinct records (precinct of which 
tliis town was first a i)art) are not to be found after 
great research, and it is presumed they have been 
lost. 

It seems that the name Platter Kill was long used 
before the town was named. It was the stream of 
water running along the west side of what is now 
Plattekill. The roads were mostly laid out between 
1780 and 1800, though I find one in 1774. I give a 
descrii)tion of some of these roads as a curiosity. 
There were large numbers of these roads but the de- 
scriptions are so primitive that their routes cannot 
be traced, and those I have given will require much 
study : 

" By Virtue of an Act of the General Asseml)ly of the Prov- 
ince of New York passed the sixth Year of our Present Majes- 
tyes Eeign Entitled an Act for the better Clearing mending and 
further laying out Publiek high Roads and others in the County 
of Ulster We the Commitioners of the Precinct of New Marl- 
borougli for the Putting in Execution the good purposes of tlie 



184 History of Marlborough, 

said Act and by a Petition of the Inhabitants being Freeholders 
have laid out an open Public Eoad four Rods wide begining not 
far from the North side of the Seven Patentees on the brow of 
a certain Small Hill thence in the most direct and Convenient 
place to a certain Bridge in the Eoad that comes from Mr. 
Brush's Landing thence Northerly in the most direct and Con- 
venient place a little East of the House of David Mackey thro' 
the East part of a certain Swamp still runing near said swamp 
in the most Direct and Convenient place to a certain Bridge 
still Northerly in the most Direct and Convenient place to the 
Paltz line Oposite the Land of Capt. John AVoolsey adjoining 
a little AVest of his Block House We Do order the Eoad above 
mentioned to be open and publick and that the same may be 
Eecorded among publick Records of the County of Ulster and 
that the same Record may be and remain an open and pulilick 
Eoad in Testimonv whereof We have hereunto Set our hand this 
26th Day of March, and in the Year of our Lord Christ 1774. 

RICHARD WOOLSEY 
LEWIS DUBOIS 
CALEB MERRITT 



A Return to the Laying out an open Pul)lick Road Two Rods 
wide agreeable to a Petition Signd by twelve or more of the 
Freeholders of the Precinct of New Marlborough (To Witt) 
Begining at a Certain white oak Tree marked Near a Little 
Bridge on the Road that C^rosses the mountain From Latting 
Town to The Platterkill the Said Bridge and marked Tree is a 
Little to the Westward of the Road that Leads of to Rol)bort 
Everitts Runing from Said tree a Southerly Course Thro a Tract 
of Land Belonging To Lord Sterling Runing Near the South 
Side of Robbert Poors fence and to the North of Henry Dejos 
House to a Large Chestnut Tree marked From thence thro Capt 
David ostronders Land To a Small Black oak Tree marked the 
Said tree Stands Near the Said ostronders Door and on the old 
Publick Road Also Beginning at the Southeast Corner of the 
Said Capt David ostronders oarchard at a Certain Chestnut Tree 
marked The Said Tree being on the old Pulilick Road Riming from 
thence to the westward on the Devision Line Between Jonathan 
ostronder and the Said David ostronder to Daniel Dejos Line 
From thence Southerly on the Devision Line Between Jonathan 
Terwilleger and the Said Daniel Dejo To the Said Daniel Dejos 



Ancient Roads. 185 



Southeast Corner From thence to the westward on the Said De- 
vision Line To a tree marked from thence Leavinfj the Said 
Devision Line and Enning a South westerly Course a Cross the 
Said Jonathan Tcrwilleger Land as pr marked Trees To a 
Small Black Eock near the Line Betwen Coll Hashroucks and 
the Said Terwilleger from Thence Euning to the westward 
on the Devision Line Between the Said Hasbrouck and the Said 
Jonathan Terwilleger to the Shawwangunk Line the above Eoad 
from the Corner of Capt ostronders oarchard from the Chestnut 
tree on the old Publick Eoad to the Shawwangunk Line it is 
Eequested that they may Keep Swing Gates one year from the 
first of December 1T81 

UEIAH DEAKE Commisoners for 

Laving out 

XATH'L KELSY publ Eoads 

Most of this road appears to be in what is now 
Plattekill. Can anyone determine the course of this 
road and where it lies? 



A Eetum of an open Publick Eoad tM^o Eods wide Laid out 
this 18th Day of March 1782 — The Eoad Euns as follows (to 
witt) Beginning at the post Eoad a Little to the ISTorth ward 
of Zadok Lewis house where he Xow Lives from thence up by 
Edward Hallecks Senr as the Eoad now Euns to the Land be- 
longing to Zadok Lewis thence Euning a Cross the Zodak Lewises 
Land as the Eoad now Euns to the Land Belonging to Nehe- 
miah Smith thence Euning Xearly as the Eoad now Euns 
through the Said Xehemiah Smiths Land to Land belonging to 
Zadok Lewis. Thence upon the Line betwen The Said Zadok 
Lewis and Edward Hallek Senr Thence upon the Same Line 
Betwen the Said Zadok Lewis and Alexander Youngs thence 
upon the Same Line betwen the Said Alexander Youngs and 
John Ayres thence Euning upon the Same Line Betwen the 
Said John Ayres and Urian Mckey to the Land formerly Be- 
longing to Lattin Carpenter from thence Euning IVearly upon 
a Strait Line to a Brook at or near the North End of an old 
field Formerly Belonging to the Said Lattin Carpenter From 
thence up the Hill westerly in the most Conveniant Place 
thence by a Line of marked Trees acroos Said Land to the Eoad 
that Euns from Lattin town to the Xew Paltz thence across 



186 History of Marlboeough. 

Said Eoad liy a Line of marked Trees to the Road that Runs 
from Lattin Town to the Platter Kill as for a Large whiteoak 
Tree marked Xear the Said Platter Kill Road. 

N. B. it is the Request of the uuijority of the Petioners for 
Said Road that it Shall Remain with Bars or Gates for one 
year from this Date and after that to l)e an open Road and to 
Remain in full Testimony among other Puhlick Roads as wit- 
nes our hands March ye 18 1783 

CALEB MERRITT 
XATH'L KELSY 

Commisons 

This is the road at the willow tree running west 
past the Moore place and the Michael Kaley place and 
so on westward substantially as it is today. 



]\Iarch 26-1782 A Return of an open Road Laid out two 
Rods wide By the Commisoners of Xew Marlborough Runing 
as follows (To witt) — 

Begining at the River at Lowe water mark by a Cedar tree 
marked upon Anning Smiths Ijand thence Runing a Little to 
the South of the house whei'e Isaac Rowly now Lives thence up 
the hill in the most Conveniant Place a Little to the South of 
the Said Anning Smiths Grist mill Thence Nearly as the Road 
now Runs l)y the Said anning Smiths house across the Post 
Road to the Line 1)etwen the Said anning Smith and Luff Smith 
thence upon the Same Line or as near the Line as Can Con- 
veniantly be made a good Road to the north of Said Luff Smiths 
Said mill and to Continue upon or near the Same Line as 
aforesaid to or near the Road that Runs thro the Land of the 
Said anning Smith and Luff Smith at their own Expence 
Thense from Said Line Nearly as the Road now Runs across 
the Said anning Smitlis Land To Nathaniel Kelsys Line Thence 
upon the Line Betwen the Said Anning Smith and Nathaniel 
Eelsy to John j\rol)ery Smiths Line Thence upon the Same 
Line Betwen the Said Nathaniel Kelsy and John Mobery Smith 
to Job St Johns Line Thence upon the Same Line Betwen the 
Said John Mobery Smith and Job St John to or near the 
Said Job St Johns house Thence Nearly as the Road now Runs 
through the Said Job St Johns Land to the Said Line again 
Between the Said Job St John and John Mobery Smith thence 
upon the Same Line or a Cross to the Road that Leads from the 
New Paltz to Lattin towai thence upon the Line or as near the 



Ancient Koads. 187 



Line as Can Conveniantl}- be made a Good Eoad Between 
Samuel Lewis and Samuel and Adam St John to the vacant 
Lands in the mountains Then begining back at or near a Little 
Brook upon Said Line thence Runing ISTorthardly up a hill in 
the most Conveniant place thence Euning Ijy a Line of niarkt 
trees to the westward of a hollow Called Sugar Hollow a Crost 
the Lots of Land belonging to adam and Samul St John and 
Samul and Nathaniel Hull to the Same Little Brook to the 
Northward of Said Sugar Hollow thence to the westward by 
a Line of marked trees to the Northeast Corner of Josiah 
Eltings pattent thence upon the Land Belonging to David 
Martin to Said David Martins house thence Runing Nearly as 
the Road now Run with the allowance of Good Swing Gates or 
bars to Josiah Bakers Line thence with the Said allowance of 
good bars or gates to the Said Bakers Land the aforesaid Gates 
or bars to be Kept in Good Repair at the Said David Martins 
and Josiah Kakers own Expence thence through the Vacant 
Lands by or near a Line of marked trees to the northe of Wil- 
liam Glands Fence thence westerly to the Paltz Line and to 
Remain in full Testimony with other Pulilick Roads as witnes 
our hands 

CALEB MERRITT 
NATH'L KELSY 

Commisoners 

This road as it will be seen commenced on Anning 
Smith's land at the river and ran west to the post 
road (this part is now closed up). It then ran west 
substantially as the road now runs from the post 
road past Peter McManus' place and then continuing 
on to Pan-cake Hollow (which then must have been 
called Sugar Hollow) then on to what is now Clinton- 
dale till it met the Paltz line. 



"We the Subscribers Commissioners appointed to Regulate 
and Lay out Roads in the Precinct of New Marlborough in the 
County of Ulster & State of New York having read the Peti- 
tion presented us & and signed by twelve Freeholders Inha])it- 
ants of said Precinct Praying us to Lay out a Common Public 
Road from the Road Called Lattin town Road to join the Road 
on the East side of the Great AVild ^Meadow in the township of 



188 History of Marlborough. 

New Paltz lately Laid out by the Commissioners of New Paltz 
from the Eoad Commonly Called The Eivor Eoad along by the 
Indian orchard &c to New Marlborough Precinct And We Hav- 
ing taken the same into Consideration and taken a View of the 
Ground Do Judge this same to be Necessary and Commodious 
as well for the Inhabitants as for Travelers. 

Wherefore We the Subscribers have agreeable to the Prayers 
of sd Petition laid out a Common Public Road from the South- 
erly End of sd Paltz Eoad to sd Lattintown Eoad in the follow- 
ing manner A'iz: Begining at a Black-oak Tree marked on the 
North side with three hacks and a Blaze Standing in the Line 
Between New Paltz & New ]\Iarlborougli Precincts at the south- 
erly End of sd Eoad laid out by the Commissioners of New 
Paltz as aforesad and Euns from Thence Southerly along a line 
of marked Trees to the Field in the Possession of one Mr. Hall 
and through the sd Field near the west End of the House of 
sd Hall to a Chessnut Tree Standing near a Eun of Water Then 
Euning along a line of marked trees to the Field of Benjamin 
Stead and Going through the same to a Dry tree Standing in 
the sd Field and Then along a line of marked Trees to sd Lattin- 
town Eoad at a Beach Tree marked with three trees hacks and a 
Blaze Standing near the House of Caleb Stead Given Under 
our Hands this 14th Day of November Annogue Domini 1784 

N. B. We the sd Commissioners of New Marlborough Pre- 
cinct Do hereby order that the sd Eoad laid out by us as afore- 
said shall be four Eods Wide. 
Benjamin Ely 

Clerk 

UEIAH DEAKE 
HENEY TEEBOS 

Commissioners 



By virtue of an Act of the General Assembly of the State of 
New York passed in March in the Year of our Lord one Thou- 
sand Seven Hundred and Eighty four Entitled an Act for the 
Clearing mending and for the Laying out publick Eoads and 
others in the County of Ulster — We Commissioners for puting 
in Execution the good purposses of the Said Act and more 
Especially of any of the Freeholders Inhabitants of the Precinct 
of New Marlborough Have laid out an open publick Eoad two 
Eods wide begining at a Certain Blackoak bush marked on two 
Sides near the head of Tenstone Meadow the East side of the 
old Crossway then runing AVesterly over the Crossway and turn- 



Ancient Roads, 189 



ing Southeiiv along the West side of the Meadow as near as tlie 
Land will allow Southerly to John Seotts Line then Southerly 
hy k Corse of Marked Trees to John Ares and so to continue 
Southerly along hy a Line, of marked Trees in the most con- 
venient place of land until it comes to the Land of Samuel 
Whyatt and Andrew Gee and as near the Line of Division as 
Conveniently can he made between them both to remove a 
certain old Crossway to the Foot of a Hill the Westerly Sidi 
of t'no Swamp and then to follow the Marked Trees Eound tlie 
Hill untill it comes to Samuel Whyats fence then Euning 
through the Corner of Said Whyatts Lott South Westerly to a 
Wliite Oak Tree standing in the Road that leads from N"ew 
Burrough to the Platter Kiln which Eoad were by Virtue <jf the 
Said above mentioned Act order and Appoint the same to be an 
open Eoad through as much of the Said precinct as is before 
J.)irectcd and we also Desire that agreeable to Law and the said 
Act this the same be Eecorded among the publick Eecords of the 
]*recinct and in order that the same may be and Eemain an 
open Eoad In Testimony whereof We have hereunto Set our 
Hands and Seals this Twenty Six Day of April in the Year of 
our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Eightv Six 

LEO^TAED SMITH 
EEUBEX DEAKE 

Commissioners 

This road is all in what is now Plattekill ; it is sub- 
stantially the road that runs from the Milton turnpike 
at Kostendieck's corner to the vallev. 



I^aid out in the Town of Xew Marlborough in Ulster County 
the 21st Day of March 1789 According to Law by the commis- 
sioners of Highways for sd Town Begining at the Line of the 
East Bounds of John Banckers Farm now in Possession of 
Lattin Carpenter near a Blacksmith Shop and Precisely at a 
certain Bridge over the Crick a little South of Thomas Eays 
House Euning thence from the Lattin Town Eoad Westward 
nearly as the Eoad now Euns across said Farm to the Xorth 
East Corner of Jolm Caverly's Land thence Euning the North 
?ide of the Line Between the Land of the sd John Caverly and 
the Land of the said John Bancker or as nearly so as Can be 
made a good Eoad t» a Blaekoak Tree marked Thence Euning 
nearly as the Eoad now Goes to a Small Brook thence near the 



190 History of Marlborough. 



North Side of said Brook by a Line of Marked Trees or near said 
Line of Marked Trees as is most convenient for a Eoad to the 
south East Corner of the Field now in Possession of Henry Hyde 
from thence nearly as the Eoad now Euns to sd Hydes House 
then Southwardly nearly as the Eoad now Goes to a Large White 
Oak Tree Marked standing- a little to the North of Dan'] Cooks 
House tlicn Euning through the Woods by a Line of Marked 
Tree>^ to Ihe outlet of the Pine Swamp thence Euning by a 
Line of Marked Trees to the Eoad Laid out acrost the Moun- 
tains Adjoining said Eoad by a small Black Oak Tree Marked, 
The above is to be a Eoad Eods Wide and Equal Testimony 
with other Pul)lic Eoads on the Eecords of the Town of New 
Marlborough 

LEONAED SMITH Commissioners 

NATHANIEL KELSEY of H. Ways. 

This it would appear is the road which runs west 
from Lattiiitown across the mountain. 



A Eeturn of an Open Publick Eoad Laid out four Eods Wide 
by the Commissioners of the Town of Marlborough in the Month 
of November in Anno Domini 1790 as follows 

Begining at the Highway that leads from John Bonds Over 
the Mountains Westerly a little Southerly of Thomas Wygants 
House from thence North as the Lane now runs to John Wygants 
Land then Westerly as the Lane Euns to the Foot of the Mount- 
tains then Westerly up and Eising the Mountains nearly as the 
Eoad now Euns to near to the Top of the Mountains then 
Southerly in the most convenient place Still Eising the j\Ioun- 
tains to the top thereof Then from the Top of the Mountains 
a Westerly course in most convenient place to the Fall thereof 
on the west side of them then Southwest Down the mountains 
near a small run of Water near David Pemljrooks field from 
thence about a West northwest Course in the most Convenient 
Place till it Joins the Line Between the Town of Marlborough 
and New Borough to l)e and remain an Open Publick Eoad and 
l)ear Equal Testimony with other Publick Eeccords. 

DAVID MEEITT 
ANANIAS VOLENTINE 

Commissioners 

This is the break-neck hill road. 



Ancient Eoads. 191 



A Keturn of ax Open Publick Eoad as Follow : 

We the Commissioners for the Town of Marlborough in the 
year 1790 in the Month of June.' By a Petition from the Free- 
holders and Inhabitants of Said Town for a Publick Eoad or 
Highway from Latting Town to Hudson River have Laid it out 
as follows : Beginning at or near the House of David Meritt 
and to keep the old Eoad through Latting Town to the Lands 
known by the name of Goldings Eidge within Ten or Twelve 
Eods of Henry Woolsey house from in the Edge of the feild 
Xorth of SaidWoolseys house Eunning in the fieilds to the bottom 
of the first hill Coming down said Hill where it Shall be most 
Convenient for the Easment of Said Road from thence along 
the old Eoad through the Lands now in Possession of N'oah 
"Woolsey Continueing the old Eoad near a Certain Eock from 
thence to go through the Corner of a field of the Lands of 
Nathaniel Harcourt the South Side of Said Eock where it Shall 
be thought most Convenient for Said Eoad thence in the old 
Eoad through the Lands of Daniel Knowlton to turn round the 
Corner of Said Knowltons Orchard up the Side of the Hill 
thence into the old Eoad Again and to follow that down to the 
main Post Eoad, tlie Said Eoad to be three Eods wide from the 
Place of Beginning to the main Post Eoad from thence four 
Eods to the Eiver as the Eoad now Euns through lands of Elijah 
Lewis and from the Top of the Hill near Solomon Townsend 
Dwelling house Said Eoad is to Extend four Eods Down the hill 
from the upper Side of the Road as it now Runs Down to Lewis 
Lime Kiln: the Said Road to go Either Side of Said Elijah 
Lewis Dwelling house wherever it Shall be thought most Con- 
venient for the good of the Puldick Down to Low Water Mark 
to Extend four Rods up and four Rods down the River from the 
Lime Kiln 

Also another Part of Said Road beginning upon The top of 
the Hill the north Side of Solomon Townsend Dwelling house 
about four Rods from Said House Running nearly as the Road 
now Runs down to the north Corner of Solomon Townsend 
Store House four Eods wide from the other Eoad that Leads 
down to Elijah Lewis to Corner of said Store House 

Given under our hands this IT Day June 1790 

LLDLAM SMITH Commissioners 

STEPHEX XOTIXGHAM of Higways 

DAXIEL EVEEITT 
BEX J AM IX CAEPEXTEE 



192 History of Marlborough. 

This is the road from Lattintown to the Hudson 
Eiver at the old Jacob Powell dock and stone house, 
substantially^ as it now exists; for years previous to 
1790 this road had been traveled but it had never been 
formerly laid out until this time and at this time sev- 
eral changes were made to make a better grade around 
the hills. The Solomon Townsend store house spoken 
of was afterward the Powell store house and from 
the dock a line of sloops had been running to New 
York for years and all the people from miles back in 
the interior passed over this road to the river and 
shipped their wood and produce. 

The different branches of this road at the river are 
now all closed up or abandoned except one. It was a 
very busy place about here then 



Whe the Commisioners of High ways for the Town of Marl- 
borough being Called upon by a Numl^er of Freeholders acord- 
ing to Law to Lay out a Pul^lick High way Begining as follows 
at a crotched appel tree Standing on the Nort Side of a Eoad 
Leading from the Post Eoad Near the Friends meting house 
Leading to Jacb Powel Landing thence from Said appel tree 
Northerly to Bunch of wild Charitrees from thence To a Car- 
tain Eidge or Ledge of Eocks on the west Side of Said 
Eidge and as Nier to It as Convenantly thence North- 
ardly to a white wood Sapling Standing on the South Side of 
a Ditch or Eun of wauter Said Saplin Has a Piece of Bark of 
the west Side an thece along a certain Path Lately Cut open 
Norterly to HutSons Eiver at the Comer Between Eichard 
Lewis and Zeadock Lewis at High wauters Mark and Said Eoad 
to be an open Publick Eoad or Highway Four Eods wide whe 
Do Certify the above to l^e a threw Eeturn of the above Eoad 
Said Eoad this 10 Day of Fabruary 1795 

COENELIUS DEAIvE Commisioners 

of 

LUDLUM SMITH Highways 1795 

The road spoken of as commencing near the 
Friends Meeting House and running to Powell's Dock 



Ancient Roads. 193 



is substantially the road commencing at the post road 
at Sturgeon's house and runs to the place formerly 
owned by Capt. Sears to the river where the old Town- 
send stone house stood. The meeting house stood on 
the south side of the Lattintown road just before it 
reached the post road and the Powell dock was in 
front of the old stone house. Jacob and Thomas 
Powell kept a store and tavern there in the stone 
house and the road above laid out is the road that 
turns from this road at Captain James Hyde's place. 
It is the same now as when laid out. 



A Eetnrn of an Open Eoad Laid out In the Town of Xew 
marl Burough 5 Day of May 1795 Agreeabele to an Act Passed 
for the Laying out and Establiahing Publick Roads in the State 
of New york By a Potition of the Freholders and Inhabitants 
of the Town afforsaid for a Publick Eoad Begining at a Cartain 
Eoad that Lied from Newburgh To Esopus Euning Xort At the 
House of Peter McCoon Beginning and Euning with a Soud- 
east Corse as the old Eoad Euns thro the Lands of Benjamin 
Sands on the East Side of a Cartain Maddow and Along the 
Said madow In the most Convenant Place and So By a Black- 
smith Shop along the Same Eoad untill It Comes to the House 
of Deniel Eavortt on the Sought Side of His House on the 
Dock to Low warters mark of the Eiver In the most Con- 
veenentest Place to he an open PulDlick Highway of four Eods 
wide for Convenency of the Contry or Town 
Given under our Hands thes 5 Day May 1795 

XOAH WOOLSEY " Commissioners 

of Highways 

SOLOMOX FOWLEE fo the Year 1795 

Tlie house of Peter McCoon was on the site of the Woolsey 
Iniilding, and the road is the one running from there to the 
river. 



A Return of an open Publick Eoad Laid out By the Com- 
missioners of the Town of ]\Iorlburough Begining at a Certain 
Dock of Eichard Lewis Nier the niiddel of Jacob Powel and 



194 History of Marlborough. 

Levy Qiiimby Docks at High waiiter jnark Eims Northward 
By a Line of marked trees to the South Side of the Land of 
Joshua Suttons and So throo the Land of Said Sutton and 
fields and thence aLong the Said fiekl on the East Side of Said 
fields Untill It Comes to Levui Quimby Lot and along the 
west Side of Said Quimby Lott until It Comes to the Main 
Eoad that Lieds to Quimby Dock whe Do Hereby Certify the 
Eoad to be a Publick open Eoad to be and Eeman a Eublick 
Eoad of four Eods wide Given under our Hands this 10 Day 
of fabuary 1795 

COENELIUS DEAKE 

Comniisioner 

LrDLCni SMITH 

It ai)pears from the above descriptiou that Lewis, 
Powell and Quimby all had docks along tlie river in 
the same vicinity and that the above road was laid out 
to connect them. 



We the Comisheners of high ways have Laid out a New Eoad 
Begining on Hutsin Eiver at the water at a Plase the old Ship 
Yard Laying Between Two pints at a walnut Sapling from 
Thens Up the Bank To a Ston wall South To Nathanil Har- 
cort and John AVoods Corner thens Sowestly Up the Hill till 
It Striks the old Eoad Baring the Same Corse a Crost the Said 
Eoad Upon the Side Hill till it Striks a Slate Eock thense on 
To the Top of Hill then Northwestely To the Main Eoad near 
a Small Stone hous Beloening to Nath Harcort then Begining 
at a Large Chusnet Tree North of Nath Harcorts Euning 
northwestly with the path Now in Use till meats with the 
Eoad Euning from hutsons Eiver To Leafing Town near 
Noah AVoolsey and Benj Sands Two Eoads Wide, Marlborough 
April 5 1794" 

PETEE McCUNE 
DANIEL LOCKWOOD 
JONATHAN BALY 

The old ship yard here spoken of was where Jolirr 
or Jacob Wood or both built sloops and vessels for 
many years, and, on this road is the large boarding 
house of Stephen Woolsey. What is now called Dog 
street, commenced at the river there and at its head 



Ancient Roads. 195 



on th-e post road there used to be a little stoue house 
close to the road. At my earliest recollection it was 
standing and a colored family lived in it. It seems 
the road then passed on till it came to a large chest- 
nut tree. The tree is still standing and has been a 
land mark ever since the country vras settled. The 
road ran from there to the Lattintown road at the 
house of the late Charles Woolsey. This road is the 
same as when laid out and had been used more or less 
for a long time previous to this time but was simply a 
lane running through woodlands and not dedicated to 
the public. The very oldest road was, I presume, the 
King's Highway, laid out under an old colonial act, 
being the road running north and south through the 
town along the river. 



An Act to Incorporate the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge 
Company. Passed March 11th, 1808. 

Be it enacted * * * That Tjerick Van Keiiren, 
Xathaniel Lefever, Jacob Ransom, WilHam Dusenbur}^ and 
Isaac Hill and all such persons as shall associate with them, 
]\Y becoming subscriljers to make a good and sufficient turnpike 
road to begin at or near the store of James Denton in the Tow]i 
of Marlborough near the landings of Hill, Sands and Town- 
send, running from thence westerly the most convenient 
route, and as near the old road as the make of the ground will 
admit, to where the two roads intersect near the house of Peter 
Frisiner in the Town of Plattekill, and thence continuing 
westerly nearly straight and crossing the Wallkill at the north- 
easterly bounds of Tjerck Van Keuren, and from thence by the 
most convenient route to the house of Thomas Harris in the 
Town of Shawangunk, shall be and are hereljy created a body 
corporate and politic in fact and in name, by the name of " the 
president, directors and company of the Farmers' Turnpike 
road and Bridge Company," and by that name they shall be 
capable in law to purchase, have, hold, enjoy, and retain to> 
them and their successors lands, tenements, hereditaments, 
goods, chattels and effects of every kind whatsoever, to the 
amount of five thousand dollars. 



196 History of Marlborough. 

And be it furtlier enacted. That the stock of said company 
hereby incor^^orated, shall consist of six hundred shares of 
twenty dollars each; and that Selah Tuthill and Thaddeus 
Haight shall be and are hereljy appointed commissioners to 
receive subscriptions for said stock in the manner directed in 
and by the act, entitled, ''An Act Eelative to Turnpike Com- 
panies," passed the thirteenth day of j\rarch one thousand eight 
hundred and seven. 

Provided Always, That if after the full amount of the said 
600 shares shall have l)een appropriated and expended ])y the 
president and directors of the said company for the purpose 
of making the said turnpike road and building the bridge at 
the places aforesaid, and if the sum so appropriated shall be 
found insufficient to effect the purpose aforesaid, it shall and 
may be lawful for the said president and directors, in order 
to complete the said road and l)ridge, to increase the funds of 
the said corporation by adding a sum not exceeding $5 on each 
share in the whole stock, which sum so to l)e added shall l)e 
in equal ratio upon each and every share. 

And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful 
for the president and directors to demand from the stock hold- 
ers respectively, all such sums of money by them subscribed, or 
to be subscribed, and also the advance sum of $5 on each share 
in case an increase of stock shall be found requisite, at such 
times and in such proportions as the said president and directors 
shall see tit, under pain of forfeiture of their shares and all the 
previous payments thereon to the said president and directors. 

And ])e it further enacted. That it shall and may be lawful 
for the president and directors of said company to erect 2 gates 
or turnpikes, on and across the said road, one whereof shall 
be erected at the distance of not less than 3 miles from Den- 
ton's store aforesaid and one other gate or turnpike at or upon 
the bridge to be made across the Wallkill aforesaid in the route 
of said road. 

And be it further enacted. That the said company hereby 
incorporated shall l)e entitled exact and receive at each of the 
said gates or turnpikes, to be erected on said road and bridge 
from all persons traveling and using the same the following 
rates to toll, to wit: For every wagon with two horses, mules 
or oxen, ten cents and three cents for every additional horse, 
mule or oxen ; for every one horse cart, five cents ; for every 
coach, coachee, phaeton or curricle with two horses, twenty 
cents; for every chair, chaise or other one horse carriage, ten 



Ancient Roads. 197 



cents: for every cart drawn I)y two oxen, horses or ninles, 
six cents, and for every additional ox, mule or horse, three 
cents; for everv horse and rider, or led horse or mule, four 
cents ; for everv sleigh or sled, drawn by two horses, mule or ox, 
five cents and for additional horse, mule or ox, two cents ; for 
every score of cattle, horses or mules, sixteen cents, and so in 
proportion for a greater or less number; for every score of 
sheep or hog, six cents ; for every stage-wagon, drawn by two 
horses or mules, ten cents, and for every additional horse or 
mule, three cents. 

And be it further enacted. That the company hereby incor- 
porated shall have and enjoy all the rights, privileges, powers, 
and immunities which are given and granted in and by the 
aforesaid act. entitled, "An Act Eelative to Turnpike Com- 
panies." and shall be su])ject to all the conditions, provisions, 
restrictions and regulations contained in the said act. 

Provided nevertheless. That it shall and may be lawful, for 
the said company to appoint five directors of which numl)er 
three shall be a quorum ; and it shall and may be lawful for the 
said company to work the road twenty feet in width, exclusive 
of the ditches, and that the said company may erect a toll gate, 
when they shall have completed the first six miles thereof 
agreeable to the true intent and meaning of this act. and to 
ask and receive the rate of toll aforesaid provided also, that it 
shall be the duty of the president and directors, incorporated 
by this act, when application had before them from any person 
or persons traveling said road, not more than five miles west 
from the Hudson Eiver aforesaid, to commute with such person 
or persons and regulate the toll at said gate to be erected, not 
less than three miles from the store of said James Denton, so 
as that such persons shall not pay more toll than is proper for 
the number of miles they shall travel on said turnpike, that is 
to say, at the rate of 12 1-2 cents for ten miles, for wagon 
drawn by two horses and so in ])roportion for every other 
carriage : 

Provided always. That nothing in this act contained shall 
prevent the Legislature from directing the said corporation, at 
any time hereafter to extend the width of the said road, to 
twenty-four feet, and if the said company shall refuse or neg- 
lect to comply with such directions that then, and in such case, 
all right and interest of said company, of, in and to said road 
shall vest in the people of this state. 



198 History of Marlborough. 

This charter was amended in 1828 as follows : 

Sect. 1 It shall he lawful for the Farmers' Turnpike Road 
and Bridge Company in the County of Ulster, to demand and 
receive at the gate erected on said road, and from all persons 
using the same, tlie following rates of toll, to wit : For every 
wagon witli two horses or oxen, six cents; for every wagon with 
one horse, four cents, and in all other cases of the payment of 
toll, the directors of said company are herehy directed to regu- 
late and reduce the rates thereof, to any sum not less than one- 
half of the amount fixed in and by the act of incorporation of 
said company, passed March 11th, 1808: Imt every person when 
passing tlirougli said gate to or from public worship, or a 
funeral or a grist mill for the grinding of grain for his family 
use, or a l)lacksmitirs shop to which he usually resorts for work 
to be done or attending Court when legally summoned as a 
juror or witness, or a militia training when required by law to 
attend, or a town meeting or election at which he is entitled 
to vote, or going for a physician or midwife or returning there- 
from, or to or from his common Inisiness on his farm. 

Sect. 2 Xotliing in this act contained shall prevent the Legis- 
lature from altering or repealing it at any time when it shall 
think proper. 

This turnpike was completed on or before 1812, and 
was an exceedingly good road for the times. As will 
be seen, it crossed the Wallkill into Shawangnnk, now 
Gardiner, and lieyond and through Tuttletown, at 
that time a thriving place wnth great water power, 
several mills etc. This road opened up a large 
country; in fact people crossed the mountains here at 
what is now called The Traps, a pass in the Shawan- 
gnnk mountains, from the valleys to the west. It 
opened up a large tract of country which became 
tributary to Milton, people bringing their produce 
here for shipment to the city by sloops and barges. 
Grains of all kinds, beef and j^ork, fat cattle, butter, 
sheep and wool, wood, hay etc., were brought from 
long distances back in the country, many requiring 
a day to come and another to return. Tlie road was 
often blocked with teams and wagons extending from 



Ancient Koads. 199 



the post road at the village to the river. It added 
great prosperity to the Milton part of the town for 
thirty years or more. Lumber of all kinds was sold 
here, also building supplies and all kinds of iron for 
blacksmith work. There were tailors, hatters, cabinet 
makers and artisans of all kinds; there were soap 
works, sash and blind factory, and a paper was 
printed, and during this time Milton saw its greatest 
prosperity; but the back country was afterward 
opened up by roads to other parts and the turnpike 
was discontinued in about 1860. Capt. Jacob Handley 
controlled most of the stock of the road for several 
years before and at the time it was discontinued. The 
very old people along the route of the road will well 
remember the large amount of trouble over it. There 
was said to be twenty taverns along the road for the 
use and convenience of the men and teams, mostly 
the men, who could obtain their meals for a trifle and 
the best of rums and whiskeys at three cents a glass. 



CHAPTP^K VII. 



Maeks of Cattle. 

At the time of the first settlement of this commu- 
nity, it was the custom to brand cattle that each owner 
might readily distinguish his property from that of 
his neighliors. Following is a description of some of 
the various brands : 



lip 



for 



Men 

Lewis Diil)ois 
Caleb Merritt 

This mark Taken 
By David Staples 
John Woolsey 

Eichard AVoolsey 

John Yonng 

Abner Brnsh 

This is altered 
Henry Torl)ose 
David Merritt 

This Mark is taken up 
by David :\r Hait 
June 20th 178G 
Galn'iel Merritt 

This ^lark is Taken np 
for Xathan Salslnirv 
Abijah Perkins 

This is Altered for Ben- 
jamin Ely 1784 
William ^Martin 

N". B. this :\rark is Al- 
tered and Taken iip l)y 
Seth Husin 
This mark Ts taken n|) 
By Thadius Haio-ht 
Mav 24, i:9G 



]\rarks 
One Hole in Each Ear 
One hole in the right and a half 

pennv the upper side of ve left 

Ear " 
One hole in ye right and a Crop 

in the Left Ear 
A crop in ve Left tSr 2 Slits and 

a Slit in the right Ear 
A Slope the under side of the left 

Eare 
A Crop of the Left and a slit in 

the same Ear 

A Orop of the Left Ear and a 
hole in the right and in ve Left 



A Hole in the right Ear and a 
half })enny ye under of it 

A Slope the u])per side of ye right 
& a half penny ye under side of 
ye same 

A Slit in each ear and half-penny 
the upper side of ye right 



202 



History of Marlboeough. 



Men 
David Martin 
taken np By 
Semore 
Nathal. Kilsey 

^^ithl. Hull 

Eichaixl AVoolsy 



Jacob Dayton 

altered to a Swallow 
fork in Each Ear & 
the D in forehead 
David ostronder 



Joshna Sntton 



Edward Hallock 

taken up bv James Hal- 
lock 
Edward Hallock Junior 
taken up by Nicholas 
Hallock 
Daniel Ivnowlton 

this mark Is taken up 
By James Quiml^y 
Junr 
Eight Carpenter 
Nehemiah Smith 



Samuel Hallock 

This Mark is taken I'p 
by Foster Hallock 



Marks 
A Slit in the left ear and a half 
Daniel penny the upper sid ye right 



A Crop in the left ear and a half 
penny under the same 

A crop in the right ear & a hapny 
the under side 

A Crop of the Left Ear a Slit in 
the Crop a half penny the un- 
der Side of the Same Ear a 
Slit in the Bight Ear a half 
penny the back Side of the 
Same 

A Slit in the off Ear and a half- 
penny the under Side of the 
near one and a D in the fore- 
head 

A half penny ye under Side of ye 
Bight Ear a Slit in the Left 
Ear under Side 

A Crop of the Left Ear and a half 
penny the under Side of the 
Same and a half penny the up- 
per Side of the Bight Ear and 
a hole in the Left 

A Slop Crop of the right Ear 



A Crop of ye left Ear 



A Crop off ye left ear and a Slope 
ve under side of the right 



A Swallows tail in the right Ear 
A Crop of the Left Eare and a 
half-peney the under side of 
the same and a halfpeny the 
upper side of the Bight 
A Slope the under side of Each 
Eare 



Marks of Cattle. 



203 



Anning Smith 

this mark is alterd below 
on this Leaf 

Benjamin Woolsy 

this mark is taken up hy 
Mathew Burvann 
John C'averly 

This mark altered For 
William Caverly 

Benjamin Ely 



jSToah Woolsey 

This mark taken up 
May 26, 1836 by 
Zephaniah Xorthrip 

Charles Woolley 



Nathaniel Harcourt 

Feb 20th 1824 this mark 
taken up By Nathan- 
iel Harcourt 

Richard Carpenter 



A Crop of the near Bare and a 
hapeney the under Side of 
Each and a hapeney the upper 
Side of the Right 

A Crop of the Left Ear and a 
hole in the Same 

a Halfpenny on the Upper Side 
of Each Ear N. B. this Mark 
bas been Used -l)y Samuel 
Townsend 

A Slope in the Upper Side of the 
Right Ear and a half Penny 
the Under Side of the Same 
Ear N. B. this Mark was for- 
merly Used by and for Doctor 
ABijah Perkins 

A half Crop the Under Side of the 
Right Ear and a Slit in the left 
Ear 

a Crop of the Right Ear and a 
nick under the Same Also a 
Brand with the Letter W 

A Crop in the right ear and a Slit 
in the left Ear 



A Swallow's Tale in ye left Ear 



There are a large number of these marks recorded 
in an ancient record of the town. It appears that all 
the first settlers had a distinctive mark to designate 
their cattle, horses etc., and this continued for many 
years until the lands were cleared up to some extent 
and fenced off, so the cattle were prevented from run- 
ning at large. The settlers coming from the homes 
they had formerly occupied, brought their cattle, 
horses etc. with them; they had no fences and the land 
was to be cleared up, and necessarily they were unable 
to properly restrain them; so the live-stock ran at 



204 History of Marlborough. 

large over the lands of the owner and upon the com- 
mons often upon the lands of the neighbors. In which 
latter case they were taken up, held, and the descrip- 
tion and marks were tiled in the town clerk's office, 
so when the owner missed his cattle, he could ascer- 
tain if they had l>een taken up, and by whom, and by 
the payment of certain fees for damages, he could 
obtain his cattle. 

There were many cattle here in those times and lots 
of rich lands lying open to the common, therefore the 
raising of cattle was a great industry. The following 
is a sample of how strayed stock was officially 
described : 

February ye 25, 1TT3 then entered on Eecorfl a Stray Stone- 
Horse three years of Age having no Artificial Marks or Brand; 
of Xatural marks, one small white spot lietween his Nostrils 
and some wliite in his Eight foot l)ehind just above his Huff 

Nov. 8, 177-1: -Entered A two years advantage Heifer Eed 
Brindle with a wliite Streak on her Back & belly — a Cross off 
the right Ear &' a half Cross off the Left. 

November 22, 1775 then Entered A stray stear two years 
old will be three next Spring with a white spot on his fored and 
a Crop of his Eight Ear with a swallow folk in it with lialpaney 
the nnder side of the Left. 

in possession of Henry Loekwood 

1785 Nov. 26 Job St. John Entered A Stray read Heipher of 
two Years old and Uppwards with a Bell on her neck and a Slit 
in the End of her Ear No Natural marks Distinguishable 

A Stray Bull in Care of John Freer about Two Years old 
Crop off the Eight Ear, tbe ends of his Horns Sawed oif a 
wdiite Face Natutnral Colour Brown Dec'r 1st. 17.S5 

A Stray Brindle heipher in Care of Stephen Case about 3 
Years old with Cro]> oft' the Left Ear and hole & Slit in the 
Same of a Brindle Coulour 

36 Nov'r — 1790 S. C. 

November 25th 1791 Stray Eed Stear Two year old Past 
Marked with three half pennys under side of tlie right Ear 
with one horn Broke of the End in Possession of John Latting 
Marll)orou»-h Mountains. 



Caee of the Poor. 205 

December loth 1791 Entered a Stray Sheep white Marked 
with a Swallow fork in the near Ear and a Slit in the off or 
Right Ear in Possession of John Young in Marlborough Town 

December 16th — 1T91. Two Stray Eed Heifers with some 
white on the Back ]\Iarked with a Swallows fork in the Eiglit 
Ear and a half penney the under Side of the Same in Posses- 
sion of Edward Hallock In ^farlborough 

January 2th 1792 One white Stray Sheep Marked with a 
Crop of the Left Ear and a Slit in the same and a halfpenny 
the under Side of the right Ear. BenJ'n Woolsey 

January 2th 1T92 Two Stray white Sheep Marked with a 
Crop of the Left Ear and a hole in the Iiight Ear In Possession 
of Benjamin Woolsey Xew ]\Iarll)rough 

January 7th 1792. Stray white Sheep Marked with a Swal- 
lows fork in Each Ear and a Xick the under Side of the Right 
Ear Also another white Sheep Marked with a halfpenny the 
under Side of the Right Ear in Possession of Xathanil Kilsey 
Marlborough 

December 22th 1792 A Stray Stear year old Past, Red with 
a white face Marked with a Crop of the Left Ear in the Care 
of Richard Carpenter Latting Town 



Care of the Poor. 

Mon-eys raised for and proceedings had for tlie snp- 
port and maintenance of the poor commencing in 
1773 : 

A'oted that twenty five pounds be raised for the use of tlie 
poor. 

In the year 1777: 

Forty Pounds to be Raised to seport ye poor. 

Voted to be Raised for the Support of the Poor for the vear 
1778 the Sum of Ll 2 5=6=0 

and also to Collect this year the two Last Years 
Rearages which has not been Collected which 
amounts to the Sum of L70— — 



total L195 0=0 

Joseph Welib the only Person at present that is Chargeable 
to the Precinct of Xew Marlboroua'h who is also Chargeable to 



206 History of Marlborough. 

the Precinct of Xewl)urg]i was Sold to the Lowest Bider for 
L87^0 — for one Years Boarding Exchisive of Clothing on 
this Condition if any person in the Precinct of Newburgh will 
Keep him for a Smaller Sum they are to have him Sold to 
John Scott 

In the 5'ear 1779 : 

Voted that the Sum of fifty Pounds l)e Raised for the use of 
the Poor this Present Year. 

Voted that John Davis Last years Collector be paid Sixteen 
poiinds for bad money he Lost in the County treasury out of 
the poors money 

In 1780 : 

ISTo money voted this year for the Poor 

A thirty Doller Bill that Proves bad that the Collector had 
received for taxes and not Ijeing able to Swear from whom he 
had Received it was voted to be Paid him out of the first Spare 
poor money Raised in the Precinct if not allowed l)y the County 

In 1781 : 

Voted that Forty Pounds New Emision Bo Raised For a 
poor Fund 

In 1782: 

The Sum of Eight pounds voted to be Raised for the Benefit 
of the poor The fines (for stray) to go to the use of the poor 

In 1782 : 

Was Sold at Vendue a poor boy Named Liba Herrington to 
Urian Mckey for Seven pounds Eight Shillings and he to have 
him bound by the Poor Masters untill he is twenty one years 
old to have Meat Drink Washing and Lodging and Reading 
Writeing and Cyphering and two Suits of Cloths when of age 
one for Holidays and one for Common Days 

In 1783: 

The Sum of twelve pounds ten Shillings voted to be Raised 
for the Poor Provideing the Commisoners that is appointed to 
Settle with the poor masters finds it is Due at this Day The 
Same Rules as to Rams this Year was voted to be ol)served as 
was Voted Last Year the fines to go to the poor of the town 



Care of the Poor. 207 

In 1784: 

Voted also that the Sum of Twenty Pounds Poor Eate be 
Eaised this Year for Defraying the Precinct Debt to Poor 
Masters and for the further Use of the Poor of the Precinct 

In 1785 : 

Voted that Fifty Pounds l^e Eaised out of the Precinct this 
Year for the Use of the Poor 

In 1787 : 

Voted that the Supervisor Audit the Poor Accounts and Levy 
Money by Tax on the Precinct for that Purpose if Necessary 

In 1788: 

Voted that Anning Smith Eeuten Drake and Benjamin Ely 
to Audit the Poor Accounts and Levy Money by Tax on the 
Town for that Purpose 

In 1790 : 

Voted that the Overseers of the Poor Shall without Delay 
Prosecute the Children of old Simon Eelya for his Maintain- 
ance, or otherwise 

May 11th, 1791 : 

We the Committee appointed l)y the Town of ]\Iarll)orough 
to Examine and Audit the unsetled Accounts of the Town 
Namely Capt. Anning Smith David Ostrander Esqr. and Ben- 
jamin Townsend. Do hereby Certify that the Sum of Ninety 
Eight Pounds twelve Shillings and and One penny is Necessary 
to be Eaised for the Maintenance and Support of the Poor the 
Ensuing year 

By Order of the Committee, 

In 1792 : 

Voted Unanimously, that tlie Sum of Sixty Pounds be Eaised 
in the Town of ^NFarlborough for the Support and ^laintenance 
of the Poor the Ensuing year 1792 

In 1793 : 

Voated, that fifty pounds be Eaised this year in this Town 
for the Support and Mf^intenance of the Poor. 



208 History of Marlborough. 

In 1794: 

Yoated that their be Fifty Pounds Raised this year in this 
Town for the Support and Maintainance of the Poor 

1794, April 10th: 

At a Special Town Meeting Convened by Publiek Advertize- 
ment Agreeable to Law at the house of David ]\Ierrit for the 
Express Purpose of takeing into Consideration the propriety of 
Raising a greater Sum of money for the Support of the poor for 
the Ensuing year than was agreed upon at the Annual Town 
meeting in April last. — The meeting was opened by David 
ostrander Esqr. when upon due Consuderation it was Unani- 
mously Voted that And x\dditional Sum of Sixty five pounds 
should be Levied on the Town in Addition to the sum voted 
at the Last Annual meeting Amounting in the whole to one 
hundred and fifteen pounds for the purposes aforesaid 

In 1795, April 7th: 

Voated that their be Raised the Sum of one Hundred Pounds 
this year In this town for the Support and Maintainence of 
the Poor 

Vouted that the Suposed wife and Is Xot the wife- of Robert 
Gilmore to be transported and Not to be Chargeal)el any more 
to the Tow^n of Marlborough 

In 1796 : 

Voted that Poor Masters of the Town Shall Hire a House 
for the Poor to be Keep in. 

It is Voted N'o loquor Shal" Be Sold at the Next Town Meet- 
ing and No Hors racing Shal Be don and the Pennalty of five 
Pounds fine to be Receive as other Debts and Shall Be for the 
use of the Poor. 

It is Voted that their Shall' Be Raised for the suport of the 
Poor the sum of L 200 Pounds this year 1797. 

In 1798 : 

Voted that thare Shall Be one Hundred pounds Raised for 
the Insuing year for the Use of the Poor. 

In 1799 : 

Voted. That the Sum of One Hundred & Seventy pounds be 
Raised for tlie Support and Maintenance of the Poor for the 
Ensuing year. 



Caee of the Pooe. 209 

In 1800 : 

Voted, That the Sum of Fifty five pounds be Raised in tlie 
Town the Ensuing year for the Support and Maintenance of 
the Poor. 

Voted, That the Poor Maintained by the Town Shall be 
Sold at Publick Vendue. 

Voted, That the Poor Maintained by the Town be Sold at 
Publick Vendue to the Lowest Bidder. 

In 1802 : 

Voted; — that the Overseers of the Poor Shall pay to Samuel 
Huson the Sum of thirty dollars as a present from the To^^^^ 
for his taking Care & Maintaining his Mother Frelove Huson 
for the Last year Past. 

Voted; That the Poor belonging to the Town be Sold at Pub- 
lick Vendue to the Lowest Bidder. 

In 1805 : 

Voted ; That the Sum of Two Hundred Dollars be Eaised 
in the Town of Marlborough for the Support and Maintenance 
of the Poor the Ensuing year 1805. 

In 1806 : 

Voted the Sum of Two Hundred and fifty dollars be Raised 
in the Town of Marlborough the Ensuing Year; for the Sup- 
port and Maintenance of the Poor. 

In 1807 : 

Voted, That the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars be Raised in 
the Town of Marlborough for the Support and j\Iaintenance of 
the Poor the Ensuing Year. 

Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor; may (if they Suppose 
it will be for the Interest of the Town) Send otf William 
McCarty to Ireland; ]^ow One of the Poor of this Town. 

After the declaration of war in the Kevolution all 
the officers had to take the oath of allegiance to the 
State of New York. This continued up to the time 
the States became independent of the mother country. 
This oath they took in addition to their oath of office, 
viz. : 



210 History of Marlborough. 



Oaths of Allegiance. 

We Stephen Case John Duffiehl Uriah Drake Urian Mckey 
Absalom CUise assessors for the Precinct of Xew Marlhorongh 
Do Sollemly Swear and Dechire in the Presence of ahnighty 
God that we will Bear true faith and Allegiance to the State 
of New York as a free and Independant State and that we will 
in all things to the Best of our Knowledge and Abillity Do our 
Duty as good Subjects of the Said State ought to Do (So help 
us God) STEPHEN CASE 

Sworn Before me this JOHN DUFFIELD 

25 Day of april ITSO UEIAN DRAK 

WoLVEET EcKER Justice of the JUEIAN MACKEY 
peace ABSALOM CASE 



Assessors Oath. 

We Stephen Case John Duffield Uriah Drake Urian Mckey 
Absalom Case assessors Elected for the Precinct of New Marl- 
borough Do Sollemly and Sincerely Swear and Declare in the 
Presence of almighty God that we will honestly and Impartially 
asses the Several Persons and Estates within the Precinct of 
New Marlborough and that in makeing Such assesments we 
Avill to the best of our Knowledge and Judgements observe the 
Directions of the Several Laws of this State Requiring and 
Directing Each Respective assesment to Ije made (So Help 
us God ) 

Sworn before me this 25th Dav STEPHEN CASE - 

of April 1780 ^ JOHN DUFFIELD 

AYolvert Ecker Justics of the URIAN DRAKE 

peace JURIAN MACKEY 

ABSALOM CASE 

Sometimes one person would hold several offices at 
the same time; this year (1780) Stephen Case was 
Clerk for the town and poor; he was assessor and 
also a Poormaster. He also served several years as 
Clerk and Assessor at the same time, and in 1782 he 
was Town Clerk and Clerk of the Poor Books, Super- 
visor and Poor Master. 



Ancient Town Matteks. 211 



Ancient Town Matters. 

March 10, 1795. — The following persons were 
licensed to keep tavern the ensuing year. To wit: 
David Merritt, Wheeler Case, Samuel Drake, Benja- 
min Carpenter, Thomas Mott, Christopher Ostrauder, 
Jacob Powell, Gatian Liger, Henry Bush, Jr., Daniel 
Everitt, James Lockwood, and Isaac Bloomer. Each 
of the above persons gave the sum of two pounds for 
their license. 

March 1, 1796. — The following persons were licensed 
to retail spirituous liquors in the Town of New Marl- 
borough, namely: Peter Mackoon, Thomas Mott, 
Eobert Gilmore, Edmond Turner, Jr., Christopher 
Deyo, Cartrien Lieger, Samuel Drake, Henry T. Bush, 
Jr., Right Carpenter, Wheeler Case, Isaac Bloomer, 
Jacob Powell, David Merritt, Isaac Hill, Benjamin 
Carpenter. 

In 1796 Wilhelmus Ostrander, Thedius Haiglit, 
Nathaniel Kelsey, Joseph Mory and David Staples 
were the School Commissioners of the town. 

In those times the school commissioners passed up- 
on the qualifications of the teachers and also visited 
the schools from time to time. They appeared to have 
had full charge and control over the schools of the 
town. 

Tliis year it was voted that no liquor should be sold 
at the next town meeting, neither would horse racing 
be allowed, and in the event of a violation of this 
edict, a penalty of five pounds was to be levied and 
collected as other debts and held for the use of the 
poor. 

I, Stephen ISTottinoham. do solemnly and sincerely promise 
and swear that I will in all things to the hest of my knowledge 
and al)ility faithfully and impartially execute and perform the 
trust reposed in me as Supervisor of the Town of Marlborough 
in the County of Ulster, and that I will not pass any account or 



212 History of Marlborough. 

any article thereof wherewith I shall think the said CVjunty is 
not justly chargeahle, nor will I disallow any account or any 
article thereof wherewith I shall think the said County is justly 
chargeahle. 

Sworn before nie this 21st day of April, 1796. 

John Dubois, Esq., J. P. 

Under an act of the Legislature, entitled ''An act 
for the encouragement of schools " passed the 9th of 
April, 1795, in June, 1795, £155 5s., and in 1796 £132 
12s. was alloted to the Town of Marlborough; in the 
next year £154 16s., 9d.; in 1798, $119.21, for school 
purposes. 

In 1807, it was voted that geese should not run in 
the highways or commons "unless they are yoked." 

In 1809, it was voted that neither cattle or horses, 
should be allowed to run in the highways from the 
first day of December to the first day of April. 

In 1812, it was voted that no kind of cattle or horses, 
should be allowed to run in the public highways in 
any of the villages near a meeting-house or mill from 
the 15th of December to the first day of April, and if 
found in the streets " may be drove to the pound." 

Voted in 1813, that the sum of one hundred and 
fifty dollars be raised in the Town of Marlborough 
for the support of common schools the coming year. 

In 1814, Eichard Smith, John Duffield and Isaac 
Bloomer were elected commissioners of schools, and 
James I. Ostram, Joseph Lockwood, Richard Smith, 
William Soper, Natli'l Chittenden and David Staples, 
Jr., were inspectors of schools. The schools must 
have been well looked after that year with nine men 
to look after the teachers and children. 



In 1821, voted " hogs shall not run in the highways 
or commons unless they are well ringed and yoked, 
with a sufficient crotch and cross piece. Voted that 



Ancient Town Matters. 213 

the collector of the town shall not receive more than 
three cents on the dollar for his fees for collecting 
the taxes the ensuing year. Voted that the town of 
Marlborough do not agree to build a county poor 
house." 

In 1823 and for several years thereafter, $500 was 
raised each year for the support of the poor. 

In 1825 the account of public mone}^ for each school 
district was as follows: District No. 1, $39.68; District 
No. 2, $39.29; District No. 3, $33.06; District No. 4, 
$8.55; District No. 5, $19.84; District No. 7, 33.06; 
District No. 8, $31.50; District No. 10, $19.84; District 
No. 11, $22.50; District No. 12, $14.78. The following 
year, 1826, the amount distributed was considerable 
less. This list is given to show how little state sup- 
port was given to the schools. In fact all that was 
raised by the state and town and district at that time 
would not now provide for one of the larger .-ohools 
in the town. The pay that the school teachers rocoived 
would now hardly pay their board, l)ut money was 
scarce then, much more difficult to get, and went fur- 
ther, and it was the custom for the teachers to board 
around. 

At a meeting of the Commissioners of Highways of tiie 
town of Marll)orougli, in the County of Ulster, on the 4th day 
of January, 1836, it is ordered and determined by the said 
commissioners upon the application of the inhahitants of the 
village of Marlborough that the highway leading from I\Iilton 
to Newhurgh and opposite the store and premises of Miles J. 
Fletcher be so laid out or altered as to be of the width of four 
rods opposite the tavern of Eobert B. Mapes as will appear by 
a stone placed in the ground l)y said commissioners, running 
thence in a southerly direction so as to be of the width of three 
rods and a half opposite the southwest corner of the school- 
house. Also that part of the highway leading from the store 
of Spence & Mcllrath to Latting Town and opposite said store 
so as to be of the width of three and a half rods opposite said 
store and to continue said width westwardly until it intersects 
the highway running southerly by the house of Peter M. Car- 



214 History of Marlborough. 

penter. In witness whereof the said commissioners liave here- 
unto subscribed their names, this 4th day of January, 1836. 
Eecordod Jan. 11th, 1836. 

EICHAED B. FOWLER Commissioners. 

ZADOCK EHOADS of Highways 

I). W. WooLSEY, Town Clerk. 



In 1847 Geo. G. Reynolds, formerly a judge and now 
a practicing attorney in Brooklyn, was Town Commis- 
sioner of Schools. 

Eegister of Negro Children. 
After July 4, 1T99. 

This to certify that Charles Brown of the Town of ]\farl- 
borough and County of Ulster has had a male child born of 
his black woman, a slave named Harry. Born 14th July, 1791> 
Six months old this day. Marlborough 14th Jan. 1800. 

(Signed) CHARLES BROWN. 

This is to certify that the subscriber Wilhelmus DuBois of 
the Town of Marlborough, County of Ulster, has had a male 
child born of his black woman, a slave, the fifth day of April, 
1801, named Titus. (Signed) WILHELMUS DUBOIS. 




Map of Village of ^Marlborough, 1704. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Village of Marlborough as Laid Out in 1764. 

In 17()4, wlieii the clmrcli lot was conveyed to tlie 
Marlboi-oui>li Society, Lewis DuBois surveyed and 
laid out certain other lots in what is now Marlliorongh 
village; bnt after great research I am nnal)le to lind 
the map, yet the map was reproduced in 1810, upon 
the division of the lands of Wilhelmus DuBois. The 
divisions and distributions there made are the same, 
and are made in pursuance of and reference to the 
ancient map as will be seen by referring to the chap- 
ter on Land Titles. 

It refers to and speaks of the lots as laid out along- 
Main street, and as the "Water lots, etc., in 1764, show- 
ing that the lots in this map are the same as then 
laid out, and the only difference is that it gives the 
names of those who were to receive the lots in the 
division of 1810 as made by the commissioners. Main 
street as then laid out is substantially as it now is. 
The Lewis DuBois estate owned the land adjoining 
the Kill, so no Inidge is given. The street west from 
Main street is given as DuBois street; this is now the 
Lattintown road. 

At the southwest corner of the church lot on Main 
street, a stone marked " M.B.Y. 1764" is given. 
Between Jew's creek and the river " Bush's i)oint " is 
given, and opposite is " DuBois 's point." A stone is 
marked as the northwest corner of the uppermost 
lot, and further upon the same line another stone is 
given. It is understood that these points and the 
stone at the churchyard can still be designated. 

For some reason DuBois had this survey and a 
map of the same made at the early time of 1764, and 
it answered the purpose of dividing the lands in 



216 History of Marlborough. 



1810. Tire lots were afterward subdivided, but the 
present owners of the land can easily trace their 
titles back to this ancient survey and locate in what 
particular one of these lots their lands are situated. 
At this time there were very few houses upon this 
tract; the people were settled al)out on farms, as they 
liad to depend on their crops for a living. There 
were very few if any industries, except farming, at 
that time in this section. 



Colden's Ridge. 

Cadwallader Colden was the last Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor appointed ])y the King, and he was and had been 
the Acting Governor for several years of the Province 
of New York at the time of and prior to the Revolu- 
tion. A long time previous he had l)eeii granted a 
patent of land of 2,000 acres in what is now Orange 
county; this tract he called Coldenham, w^hich name 
it has ever since retained. He had several sons, one 
Alexander; he with his father resided many years at 
Coldenham. Afterward he (Alexander the son) be- 
came the owner of a tract of land at Newburgh and 
built what was called the Newburgh House at the Gore, 
Colden and Water streets. He gave land to the vill- 
ag^e for the street and it was named after him, "Col- 
den street." He built vrhat is now the Powell dock 
and had a cliarter for a ferry in 1743 at Newburgh. 

Cadwallader (k)lden also had a son, Cadwallader, 
and he or a near relative purchased of George flarri- 
son a patent of several hundred acres in what is now 
the town of Marlborough, and lying on l>oth sides of 
the Lattintown road, where Fred. W. Vail now re- 
sides. Plis Caverly farm is located, and other lauds 
and farms, to the south. These lands were called 
Colden 's Ridge in the early deeds and grants, and 



Golden 's Ridge. 217 



reference to some of them is hereafter given. Many 
deeds by which this Harrison patent was finally 
divided refer to the tract as Cold-en's Ridge, and 
though tlie ridge has been called by different names 
at different times, yet the only correct name is 
Colden's Ridge. The Coldens appear to have trans- 
mitted their name to the lands they once owned. I 
suppose the reason was that they were all prominent 
men in their day and the lands were called for them 
as was then the custom in England. 

Cadwallader R. Colden transferred property to 
William B. Woolsey and the deed is dated April, 1803. 
viz. : 

The premises now being in actual possession of the said 
William B. Woolsey, situated in the Town of Marlborough, 
County of Clster, and being a part of a certain tract of land 
which with other lands was by letters patent bearing date on 
or about the 20th of July in the year 1750, granted to George 
Harrison commonly called Colden's Kidge, wbich said lot, 
piece or parcel of land is bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning 
at a stake in the east bounds of the said tract commonly called 
Colden's Eidge on the south side of the road leading through 
the said tract from Lattin Town to the ferry, * * * The 
particular courses &c of the several boundaries thereof are 
particularly hiid down, described and expressed in and upon 
a certain map or chart of the said tract of land granted to the 
said George Harrison commonly called Golden's Eidge, made 
by Charles Clinton, Esquire, who surveyed the same for the 
said Cadwalledar Colden * * *. 

William Wickham to William B. Woolsey; deed 
dated December, 1803: 

All that tract of land situate in C*olden's Eidge in the Town 
of Marlborough, which ridge, together with other lands, was 
granted by letters patent to George Harrison, dec'd ; the said 
tract intended to be conveyed is part of a lot of land set apart 
by Commissioners to the said William AVickham on a division 
of the said ridge, and is bounded as follows: Beginning in the 
line of partition between the said ridge and the patent granted 
to Lewis Morris & Company, commonly called the seven pat- 



218 History of Marlborough. 

entees, where the road from Lattintown to Hudson Eiver 
crosses the said line, from thence easterly along the said 
road to the land latel}' conveyed l)y said AMckhani to Thomas 
Woolsey * * *. The said patent line between the ridge 
and the seven patentees, the said Woolsey and the other per- 
sons owning the land have established, * * *_ 

It will be seen that Colden's Ridge extended north 
and sontli of the Lattintown road. 

Woolsey sold 116 acres of the land so purchased by 
liim to Latting Caverly in 1808 for $3,750, and lie sold 
the remaining land to other persons about that time. 
All this land is referred to as l^eing a part of the 
George Harrison Patent called Colden's Ridge. He 
purchased it for about $1,500 and in less than five 
years had sold them for over $5,t)00. I mention this 
to show the great increase in value of land here about 
that time. I find that land increased in value very 
ra})id]y and in many instances doubled or more than 
doul)led in value in a few years. 

I have given quit-e an extended research in this mat- 
ter ))ecause I wanted to demonstrate beyond any doubt 
or (juestion that the proper name for the ridge was 
'' Colden's Rids-e." 



The Map of Dr. Benjamin Ely. 

Perhaps one of the most important things that we 
have is the map of 1797, which has been obtained after 
great search and inquiry; after photographing it in 
sections, a copper plate was made at much expense 
and care. It has been necessary to reduce the size 
of the original ma]), yet not so much l)ut that all the 
names can be readily seen. The map states : 

All the outlines and ])i-incipal roads of this town were run 
at the close of the year lTi»T. agreeably to the present position 
of the magnetic needle. I)y Doctor Benjamin Ely, who was em- 
ployed by Stephen Xottinghani Esquire supervizor of Mail- 



Ancient Map. 219 



borough. This map was made from the field book of Dr. l^iy 
by Henry Livingston of Poughkeepsie. 

STEPHEN XOTTIXGITAM. 

Scale 40 ch. to an Inch. 

The map shows what is now the Town of Marl- 
borough and Plattekill. The roads as shown are the 
principal roads in nse to-day. Very few changes 
have been made, but some additional roads have been 
laid out. The first road on the north is the Smith 
road, running from Smith's store for several miles 
west; the next is what was afterward laid out as the 
Farmers' Turnpike & Bridge Co., from the river con- 
necting Sand's store and dock, and the Sutton dock, 
and running westerly through what is now Modena 
and crossing the Plattekill. On the map it is called 
the " Road to Platte Kill " and is referred to in the 
laying out of other roads as the " Platte Kill Road." 
The next is the road from the willow tree and post 
road running west and connecting with the last- 
named road. Then comes the road from the Powell 
dock and ferry to Lewis' farm and the post road 
and past the Quaker Meeting-house to Lattintown 
and on across the mountain to Pleasant Valley. 
The next is the road from the Old Man's creek to 
the Lattintown road, and thence north and connecting 
with the road over the mountain at the Penny place, 
just as it is at present. The next, the African Lane 
road, also crosses the mountains to the valley. The 
last is the road at the town line at the Velie place, 
Avhich passes what was the Acker mill, and runs thence 
west over the mountains. The post road along the 
river from the town of New Paltz (now Lloyd), to 
the town of Newburgh is crossed by the roads above 
mentioned. The road from the Lattintown road to 



220 History of Maelborough. 



Purdy's bridge is next. The map marks the land 
here as a " Kidge of High, Good Land." This ap- 
pears to extend on through to the turnpike. The next 
is the Lattintown road from New Paltz town to New- 
burgh town, called on the map " Road from New- 
burgh." After this is the road from the Plattekill 
road (Farmers' Turnpike), beginning west of Tuck- 
er's- corners and running north to Elting and Le- 
Fevre's corner. The map gives it as the " Road to 
Paltz and Baker's store." Further west, we come 
to fhe road from tlie turn})ike south to and through 
the valley to the Newburgh line. The next is the 
road from the turnpike, at what is now Modena, south 
by southeasterly to the Valley; and then there is a 
road from the last-mentioned extending westward to 
the New Hurley church. 

The north line given is " From Jeffrow's Hook to 
the high hill of Mogunk." This was a straight line 
running from Blue point to Paltz point, north 59 '^ 
15''. The next line is the north town line, commenc- 
ing at a beech stump at the river. '' From the beech 
stump N. 55° 15" west to the high hill of Mogunk 
and to Elting and LeFevre cor's 457 chains." It 
seems that this line was a straight course to Paltz 
point, and it was 457 chains to Elting and LeFevre 's 
corners. The land between these last two mentioned 
lines was granted to Hugh Wentworth; and there was 
a controversy for j^erhaps a hundred years as to 
which was the actual line meant as the south bounds 
of the Paltz Patent. There were several lawsuits and 
I believe the question was never positively deter- 
mined. This old surveyor appeared to think the line 
should start from Blue point and I think he was 
right. He had been a resident here all his life, and 
had done most of the surveying in this and adjoining 
towns for a great many years previous, and it is 
very probable he knew where the line should be. This 



Ancient Map. 221 



map would have saved the people nmch trouble and 
money, had they known about it. 

Looking south along the river we have Smith's 
store and mill, the Buttermilk falls, the houses of T. 
Price, and T. Burgis, Sands' store and dock, Sutton's 
dock, Lewis and Powell's dock and ferry, Jacob 
Wood, John Wood, then the high point called Old 
Man's Hook, Old Man's creek, Jew's creek, the lime- 
kilns, and just over the line the Dance Chamber. 

There was a mill at Smith's, one on Hallock's brook, 
a sawmill on the south side of the creek and a mill 
on the north side of Old Man's creek, a mill on Jew's 
creek known as Charles Millard's mill, the Acker 
mill and the mill at Gaede's was called Drake's mill 
at that time. 

It gives the Presbyterian church at Marlborough, 
the Quaker church that stood at Northrip's corner, 
and two churches at Pleasant Valley, and the New 
Hurley church; all the churches that then existed. 

Stephen Nottinghain lived on the road south of 
Modena and Dr. Benjamin Ely lived at what was the 
Charles Harcourt place at the corner. 

On the roads the residences are given, and it is 
easy to be seen where one's ancestors lived. It gives 
quite a lake at Ten Stone Meadow. The streams are 
given with a great deal of accuracy. The Plattekill 
was a large stream at that time, since it ran mostly 
through woods ; and there were swamps along it. 
Since that time the lands have been drained out. 
The road derived its name from the creek, and also 
the town when formed was called by the same name. 
It runs north through Jenkintown and empties into 
the Wallkill opposite and north of the poor house. 

It is certainly an excellent map and was x^i'^pai'ed 
with great labor. It is remarkably accurate, and is 
the only correct map ever made of the town. It throws 
more light on the condition of the town at that time, 



222 History of Marlborough. 

than aiiytliing we could have bad. I consider it of 
the most importance for future reference. All the 
surrounding lands are shown and marked. 

Looking along the east side of the river, we have the 
Specker Kill, now the Gill creek, and next the Barne- 
gat limekilns, about twenty kilns which indicate that 
an extensive business was carried on here at that 
time; next is Casper creek, and north of tlie mouth 
of Wappinger's creek there are several limekilns. 

The names of all the surrounding patents are given, 
and the lines of the town and the courses of such 
lines. 

The old supervisor, Stephen Nottingham, little 
knew what a relic he was transmitting to posterity. 
It has been considered necessary to give quite an 
exhaustive explanation of this map, as from its size 
it cannot properly be examined unless it is spread 
out and much care taken to designate the different 
matters. From- my review the reader will easily 
trace them. 

I find by careful examination that in 1787 Stephen 
Nottingham purchased lands of Jacob DeLamater, 
who purchased in 1743, at the Plattekill. He had 
owned lands there previously, as it appears in 1743 
there had been a division of lands at this place among 
several parties, among others the Nottinghams, one 
of whom was the father of Stephen, and others. 
The stream was then called the Platte Kill and is 
often spoken of as in the precinct of New Marl- 
borough. Along this stream must have been some of 
the earlier settlements, if not the very earliest, in 
what is now called Plattekill; the first settlers must 
have given it the name, and the town was afterward 
called from it. I find by the map that in 1797, besides 
Nottingham, several families of Ostranders, Baldwin 
and others were living there. It was called the Platte 
Kill neighborhood. 



Ancient Map. 223 



It is a fertile valley and has always been a good 
farming- district. I speak more particularly of this, 
since it is not generally known that this irdvt of the 
country was settled so early. The Platte Kill rises 
at a pond or large swamp, northwest of the valley^ 
runs northerly and west of the Modena road, and on 
north through the town of New Paltz and empties 
into the Wallkill. Pleasant Valley is given with two 
churches. It appears to have been an early settle- 
ment and was a center for the surrounding country. 

Near the center of the map '' Branch of the Ten 
Stone Meadow " is given. It would indicate that, 
there was then a large lake or tract of drowned lands, 
as it is only intended to give a branch of it. Tliis is 
an ancient name, as I find it as far back as 1749", in 
an ancient deed, Uri Wygant and Jean his wife to 
Timothy Treadwell, of land dated October, 1749. It 
says: '^A tract of land and meadow near the Blue 
Hills called and none by the name of Tenston medow."^ 
This was part of the land granted by letters patent 
in 1720 to Wm. Bond and others. Wygant's wife 
was Bond's daughter. The deed is quite quaint and 
signed 

his 

URE I WHEYGANT 

mark 

JUNE YGANT. 

The map designates the Marlborough and Plattekill 
mountains by the waving line through its center. 
They are very distinct and unique in the original 
map. I find these were called in very ancient papers 
the "Blue Mountains" and sometimes the "Blue 
Hills." It will be seen that along the southern part 
of the road from Newburgh there are a number of 
Wygant families more than there are now and it has 
alwavs been known as the Wygant neighl)orhood. 



224 History of Marlborough. 

The Woolsey families are on the Lattintown road 
and about there. The Smiths', Hallocks' and other 
houses are located similar to where such families live 
now. The Mackey and Connor ponds are given, and 
there appears to be quite a small lake in the High 
Hollow, but this was afterward drained out. The 
Elting and LeFevre's Corner is where Clintondale 
now is. There was no village there or 'at Modena 
then, but at that time the people about there came to 
Lattintown to vote. Pleasant Valley is given, and it 
seems a Dr. Baily lived there then, and there were two 
churches. 

It will be observed that all the courses and distances 
of each line are given, and it must have been a source 
of much work and study. No better surveyor ever 
lived in the town than Dr. Benjamin Ely. The names 
of all the surrounding tracts and patents of land are 
given; taken all in all it is a great map. 



Slavery. 

Slavery existed in the state of New York from the 
earliest times, or from the time that the English came 
in possession of the country; and an early act, passed 
October 24, 1706, provided as follows : 

Wpiereas divers of her Majesty's good Subjects, Inhabitants 
of this Colony, now are, and have been willing, that such 
Negro, Indian, and Mulatto Slaves, who belong to them, and 
desire the same, should l)e baptized ; but are deterred and 
hindered therefrom, by Eeason of a groundless Opinion that 
hath spread itself in this Colony, that, by the baptizing of such 
Negro, Indian, or Mullatto Slave, they would become free, 
and ought to be set at Liberty. In order, therefore,, to put 
an End to all such Doubts and Scruples as have, or hereafter, 
ar any Time, may arise about the same, 

I, Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Assembly, 
and it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, That 
the Baptizing of any Negro, Indian, or Mulatto Slave, shall 



Slavery. 



225 



not be any Cause or Reason for the setting them, or any of 

them, at Liberty. • i .1 n ^^^^ 

II \ND BE IT Declared and Enacted by the Governor, 

Council, and Assembly, and by the Authority of the same. 

That all and every Negro, Indian, Mulatto, and Mestee Bastard- 

. Child, and Children, who is, are, and shall he born of any 

Negro, Indian, Mulatto, or Mestee, shall follow the State 
and Condition of the Mother, and be esteemed, reputed, taken, 
and adjudged a Slave and Slaves, to all Intents and Pur- 
poses whatsoever. 

III Provided Always, and be it Declared and Enacted, 
by the said Authority, That no Slave, whatsoever, m this 
Colonv shall, at anv Time, be admitted as a Witness for or 
against, any Freeman, in any Case, Matter, or Cause, civil or 
criminal, whatsoever. 

At this present day liow strange this all doth seem. 
They were perfectly willing that the slaves should be 
baptized, and recognized that they had a sonl to save, 
yet they held their bodies in bondage with the same 
right to their labor and with as absolute control over 
them as they had over their horses and cattle, and 
bought and sold them as such, and yet they recognized 
that they had a spirit the same as their masters had. 
It appears that the child followed the condition of its 
mother; if the mother was a slave the child was a 
slave, and could be sold the same as the mother, even 
if the father of the cliild was a freeman, whether 
white or black; and it further app-ears that no matter 
what cruelties or inhmnan treatment they might re- 
ceive from any white or black man, provided the black 
man was a freeman, he could not be a witness, to tell 
what they had sutfered at their hands, or to tell what 
property had been taken from them. It is hard to tell 
of a more helpless condition than a slave was placed 
in under this act. He had no control over life or limb, 
and if a freeman murdered him, no slave could testify 
to the fact. From all that can be found or learned, 
it is quite evident that there was a strong public opin- 
ion which was of much protection to the slave. In 



226 History or Marlborough. 

1708 it was provided that any Indian, negro or other 
slave that should be found guilty of drunkenness, 
cursing or swearing, and of talking impudently to any 
Christian should suffer so many stripes at some pub- 
lic place as the Justice of the Peace where such 
offense was committed should think fit, not exceeding 
forty. It will be seen by this that not only negroes 
were slaves but Indians were also. It sj^eaks of other 
slaves, yet it is hard to tell whom these were. 

In an act passed in November, 1740, providing 
duties toward supporting the government of the 
Colony, among other things is the following : 

For every Negro, Mitlatto, or other Slave, of four Years old 
and upwards, imported directly from Africa, five Ounces of 
Sevil, Pillar or Mexico Plate, or Forty Shillings, in Bills of 
Credit made current in this Colony. For every such Slave, 
as aforesaid, of four Years old and upwards, imported from 
all other Places, by Land or Water, the Sum of Four Pounds, 
in like Money. 

In 1713 it was enacted that no retailer of strong 
liquors was to sell strong liquors to any negro or 
Indian slave under the penalty of forty shillings. It 
must have been concluded that they were better off 
without it, were better men, and made better help. It 
did not appear to make any difference with the white 
people, as they could drink all they wished. Under 
the Act of 1730, relating to slaves, the following pro- 
visions were made: 

No Persons to trade with Slaves, without the Consent of their 
Owners. 

Nor to sell Strong Liquors to them. 

O^vners of Slaves may punish them at Discretion, not ex- 
tending to Life or Limb. 

Not above three Slaves to meet together, unless about some 
servile Imployment. 

Every City, Town, and Manor, may appoint a common 
Whipper for their Slaves. The Punishment to be inflicted on 
Slaves for striking a white Man. 



Slavery. 227 

There was also a penalty provided for harboring 
slaves, and on free negroes for entertaining slaves. 
They could not carry arms. Various acts were passed 
in relation to slaves up to 1800. All slave children: 
born after 1800 were born free, and all slaves becanae 
free after 1820. People can hardly realize that in tliis. 
north country, among the ancestry here, that slavery 
was ever an established institution, and protected 
under the laws of the country. From all that can be 
learned, this slavery was of a mild form. There is 
only one instance now to be found where a slave was 
killed by his master here. There is no tradition that 
slaves ever ran away from their masters, or were 
severely punished, or that many of the families were 
separated by sale. The sales appear to have been 
mostly of young men and women, and the prices for 
which they were sold were not large — about the price 
of a first-class horse. Most of the families that could 
afford it would have a young slave woman for a ser- 
vant and the mistresses were generally kind and con- 
siderate with them. In the division of the property, 
the girl generally went with the mistress. They were 
useful in many ways. Slaves often remained upon 
the same lands for generations, were born, lived and 
died under the same masters. In case of sale of the 
lands, the slaves were sometimes sold under the same 
deed, and oftentimes strong attachments were formed 
between the master and the slaves. It seems they got 
along well together as a general thing. Public opinion 
was such that no master would be countenanced in 
treating his slaves cruelly. They appeared to increase 
very fast under slavery. About 1790 or 1795, there 
were more than 300 colored people in this town, most 
of whom were slaves; whereas at the present time 
there are very few colored people. This is quite re- 
markable from the fact that after the slaves became 
free, they had the same rights as other people ; could 



228 History of Marlborough. 



buy and sell lands and other property, and contract 
for their own labor, etc. During the war of the 
Eevolution they remained with tlreir masters and were 
loyal to the cause. We cannot learn that any went 
over to the enemy, or that any of them about here ever 
committed any serious crimes. The back seats in the 
churches were reserved for their use and their masters 
took them with them to the frolics and many of the 
doings of the day. It is hard to realize at this distant 
day that the forest about here and the stony lands 
were cleared up by the slaves. They built the stone 
fences and worked in the same fields that the people 
liere work in now. 

There are many bills of sale of slaves still to be 
found in the town, two of which are here given ; also a 
manumission of slaves. J. J. A. Robert had a rope- 
walk at Marlborough; he was a large slave owner and 
manumitted several. Also Dr. Benjamin Ely regis- 
tered the birth of many slave children, also manu- 
mitted several slaves. I believe these men were the 
largest slave owners that the town ever had: 

Know all Men by These Presents, That 

I, Joseph Van D Water, yeomen, of Long Island and State 
of New York 

For and in Consideration of the Sum of twenty-five pounds 
12 s Current Money of the State of New York to me in Hand 
paid, at and before the Ensealing and Delivery of these Pres- 
ents, by Luke C. Quick of Marlborough the Eeceipt whereof 
I do hereby acknowledge, and myself to be therewith fully satis- 
fied, contented and paid : Have granted, bargained, sold, re- 
leased; and by these Presents, do fully, clearly, and absolutely 
grant, bargain, sell and release unto sd Luke C. Quick a negro 
wench about eighteen or nineteen years old named Fan. 
To have and to hold the said negro wench named Fan unto 
the said Luke C. Quick his Executors, Administrators and 
Assigns, forever. And I the said Joseph Van D Water for my- 
self, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do covenant and 
agree to and with the above named Luke C. Quick- his Exec- 



Slavery. 229 

utors, Administrators and Assigns, to warrant and defend the 
Sale of the above named negro wench Fan against all Persons 
whatsoever. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my 
Hand and Seal, this twenty-second Day of July Annoque 
Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One 
(1791.) 

JOSEPH. VAX D WATER 
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered, 

In the Presence of 
Thomas White 

her 
Hannah x Campball 
mark 

The following is a copy of a bill of sale of a slave 
to Josiali Merritt, grandfather of J. C. and P. E. 
Merritt. The slave referred to was the mother of 
Figaro Milden, and grandmother to Jacob and George 
Milden, of Marlborough. 

KNOW all men by these present? that I Joseph Sherwood of 
the Town of New Burgh County Ulster and State of New York 
for and in Consideration of the sum of Twenty pounds of Cur- 
rent Lawful money to me in hand paid by Josiah Merritt of 
the ToAvn of Marlborough County and State aforesaid HAVE 
granted bargained and sold by these Presents DO grant bar- 
gain and sell unto the sd Josiah Merritt one Negro Girl 
Named Syl Aged Seventeen years To have and to hold the said 
Negro unto the sd Josiah Merritt and his Executors Admini- 
strators and Assigns for and during the Natural life of Her 
the sd Girl. And I the said Joseph Sherwood for myself my 
executors and Administrators and Assigns against me the said 
Joseph Sherwood my Executors Administrators and- x\ssigns 
shall and will Warrant and Defend by these Presents; In 
witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this, 
twenty-eighth day of March one thousand seven hundred and 
ninetv-three. 

JOSEPH SHERWOOD, (l. s.) 
Sealed (S: Delivered 
in the presence of 
Sarah Mory, 
Jacob Degroot, 



230 History of Marlborough. 

The births of the cliildreii of slaves were required 
to be registered in the Town Clerk's office; as a speci- 
men: 

This is to certify that, the subscriber, Wilhehnus DuBois, 
of the Town of Marlborough, and County of Ulster, has had a 
male child born of his black woman, a slave, the fifth day of 
April 1801, named Titus. 

wiLHELMus Dubois. 

Slaves w^ere often voluntarily set free by their mas- 
ters, as the following- will show : 

Copy of James York's Manumission. 

To all People whom it may concern; know ye that I, Daniel 
Knowlton, of the Town of New Marlborough in Ulster County 
and State of New York for the Consideration of Forty-Nine 
pounds Current money of Said State to me in hand paid be- 
fore the Sealing and delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof I 
here Acknowledge have and herel^y do to all Intents and pur- 
poses whatsoever Manumit, Release and fully and forever dis- 
charge and set at liberty my Servant Negro man, the bearer 
hereof Named James, to go and Come and Act and do with 
all the Prerogatives of Lawful Freedom without me or any in 
my Name or under me to Control, interrupt or hinder him in 
the Exercise of Said Liberty. 

AND FURTHER I do bind myself, my heirs and Assigns 
forever hereafter to Renounce and disclaim all rights or 
pretensions of Right and property in and to the person or 
Services of Said Negro man in any light or Manner Con- 
sidered as a Slave. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto 
Set my hand and afhxed my Seal this Twenty-sixth day of 
Augnst annog. Domini One tliousant Seven Hundred and 
Ninety-four. 

Witness Present Signed by DANIEL KNOWLTON Seal 
Jno Hallock. The above is a true copy taken from 
the original. Attest; Benj. Townsend 

Marlborough 20, Sept. Town Clerk 
1800. 

. This man appears to have bought his freedom. 



Copy of Harry's Manumission. 

Know all men by these presents that I Noah Woolsey of 
the Town of Marlborough County of Ulster and State of 



Slavery. 231 

New York, have this day manumitted, freed and set at 
Liberty my negro slave Harry aged twenty-eight years and 
that he is forever absolved from any Claims of his said master 
whatever. 

Given under my hand at Marlborough the 37th day of 

March 1821 

A true copy Signed NOAH AVOOLSEY 

Attest Benjamin Townsend Town Clerk 



This is to certify that I, John J. Alex'r Robert of Marl- 
borough, Ulster County and State of New York, do by these 
presents manumitt and forever set free and discharge my 
black man named Francis Figarow aged about thirty-three 
years, also my black woman, his wife, named Marie Alzier 
aged about thirty three years ; to act and to do for themselves 
in all case or cases, thing or things whatsoever, forever, here- 
after as though they were born free. 

In testimony whereof I have hereimto set my hand and seal 
this seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thous- 
and eight hundred and twelve. 

Signed J. J. A. ROBERT (Seal) 

In presence of 
John Dasylva 
Aaron Innis 



Known all men by these presents that I, J. J. A. Roberts 
of the Town of Marlborough, County of Ulster and State of 
New York, for the consideration sum of one hundred dollars 
to me in hand paid, the receipt is hereby acknowledged by 
Francis Figarro a free black man, have and do by these pres- 
ents grant," release, and renounce all right, title and interest, 
which were in my possession to a male slave by the name of 
Lewis Cipricnmango to be free the remainder of his natural 
life from all bondage as if he were born free. 

February 24th,^814. Signed J. J. A. ROBERT (Seal) 
Witnesses present 
Samuel Drake 
David T. Merritt. 



232 History of Marlborough. 

Ulster County, ss Of the term of September, 1812, on 
the application of James Hallock for the manumission of his 
negro slave named Betty, and on the requisite testimony of 
having conformed to the directions of the act of the Legislature 
of this State passed 8th April, 1801, concerning slaves and 
servants of the second section thereof, and that the slave was 
under the age of fifty years and of sufficient ability to maintain 
herself. It is ordered by the C'ourt of General Sessions of the 
Peace now here that the said ap{)lication l)e granted accord- 
ingly. 

By order of the Cuirt. CHRIST^V TAPPEN, Clerk. 

From this it seems that the Quakers also had 
slaves; in fact at this time, there was no distinction 
made. Everybody thought that slavery was rigiit; 
they were born and brought up to it and took it as a 
matter of course. A person manumitting a slave had 
to show that they were of sufficient al)ility to main- 
tain themselves, that is, strong and healthy and cap- 
able of making a living for themselves, and if they 
were not, then they executed a bond to the people, 
that the slave manumitted should not become a pub- 
lic charge. 



Samples of Records of Births. 

A black girl born the first of April 1801 named Maria 
Eode and it is said John Peter Janson is the father. All of 
them black. Another girl born the 3rd of April, 1801, named 
Maria Olive and it is said John Francois Figars is the father. 

This declaration is made by the subscriber to whom the 
slaves above mentioned l)elonged. Marll)orough 3nd of Sep- 
tember. 1801. 

Sioned J'X J'PH ALEX'P EOBERT. 



Ulster This may certify that Jolm. a mulatto boy, 

County was born the 29th of Xovember, 180T of a female 

slave belonoino; to the subscril)er. Also another bov between 



Samples of Records of Births. 233 



mulatto and black named Mirtil born the lotli of November, 
1808. Signed J. J. A. ROBERT. 

Marlborongh 29th Nov., 1808. 



Ulster This may certify that a female child 

County named Catherine was born of Fanny, a slave 

of the subscriber, May 21st, 1812. 

This may certify that a male child named Isaac was born of 
Caty, a slave, April 3rd, 1813. 



I hereby certify that a male child was born of Kate, a slave 
belonging to the subscriber, named Isaac, April 3rd, 1813. 
Also a female child of Fanny. Sept. 19th, 1814, named Phillis. 

All belonging to Benj. Ely. 



Among others wlio owned slaves in the town, and 
to whom slave children were ''born," were Charles 
Brown, Nathaniel Harcourt, J. J. A. Robert, Benja- 
min Ely, Thaddeus Halt, Charles Millard, Josiah 
Merritt, Zacliarias Hasbronck, Rachel DnBois, Jr., 
James Qnimby, Benjamin Townsend, and John Wy- 

gant. 

The slaves generally took the names of their mas- 
ters and were nsually kindly treated, but it appeared 
to be hard to punish anyone for killing a slave. A 
man living at Lattinto^m, who owned a negro man 
slave, coming home one day was met by his wife in 
great excitement and she said to him, ' ' Jim, thai d— 
negro has run away again. Bring him back dead or 
alive." So Jim put a double barreled shotgun in his 
wagon and started on the back road towards New- 
burgh — the route his wife indicated the slave had 
gone. He overtook the slave just below the limits of 
the town and where a small graveyard was along side 
of the road. He called to the slave to stop, but the 
slave ran across this graveyard and he shot and killed 
the slave there. He loaded him into his wagon and 
brought him back dead to his wife. He was arrested 



234 History of Marlborough. 

and taken for examination before a Justice of the 
Peace living where Washburn Baxter recently died. 
During the examination he escaped, and remained 
away some time and that was the last of it. 

The slaveholder complained of being very poor. He 
said that slaves raised a big crop of corn every year, 
but that the corn was fed to the hogs and the slaves 
ate the hogs all up and he had notliing left. 

With some of the slaveholders, the slaves were 
thought much of and treated almost as members of the 
family. An old man with a large tract of land had 
among his slaves one called Harry. He was very 
large and a fine-looking fellow. He was the leader 
of a company or squad of colored men who formed 
either a militia company or drilled as such. His old 
master was very proud of Mm, and he always rode 
his owner's big black stallion on such occasions. 

As a fitting conclusion to this chapter we publish a 
poem on slavery by Samuel A. Barrett. 



To Slavery. 



Blot upon our country's pages ! 

Mocker of her liberty ! 
Wlio, that lives in after ages, 

Will believe that it could be 
That earth's most enlightened nation 
Gave thee honor, power and station? 

That a Christian people, ever 
Boasting Freedom's only chart, 

Should, by every foul endeavor, 
Aid thee, demon as thou art! 

And perpetuate thee long. 

With thy deep and damning wrong? 

Damning wrong — that ever rises. 
With its victims' groans, to God ! 

Yet our law its cry despises, 
And upholds the tyrant's rod — 

Hurls the captive to the earth — - 

Crushes freedom at its birth — • 



To Slavery. 235 



But there is a law, that teaches 
Truth, and right, and liberty; 

Strong that law, and far it reaches. 
Over land and over sea^ — 

'Tis implanted in each mind 
Of the whole of human kind. 

Thrones, before that law, now totter — 
Mitres, to the earth are hurled; 

And the truth its champions utter. 
Stirs the pulses of the world ! 

They proclaim Equality — 

Hear and tremble, Slavery ! 

Yes ! dark monster ! thou art fated — 
Thy death-hour is drawing nigh, 

Tho' thy maw be yet unsated 
With thy victim's agony ! — 

Eight is hourly growing stronger — 

Thou canst live but little longer! 

Over our fair land is breaking 
Truth's effulgence, far and fast; 

Men, from error's trance awaking. 
Feel that they have hearts, at last! 

And confess, as all men should. 

Universal brotherhood. 

Eise, Columbia! rise in glory, 

Wipe the foul stain from thy brow; 

And in future song and story. 

Thou shalt live, as thou shouldst now, 

Earth's model-nation, great and free, 

And pioneer of Liberty! 

Break thy children's galling fetters — 
Lo ! their blood pollutes thy plains ! 

Tyrants, and their base abettors. 
Wring it daily from their veins ! 

Yet employ no means coercive. 

Such, of good, are aye subversive. 

Truth, alone, should be thy agent, 

'Tis a power omnipotent; 
Truth, without parade or pageant. 

Bonds, and bars, and walls hath rent: — 
'Tis the weapon God employs, — 
Use it, and thou shalt rejoice. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The War of 1812 and the Mexican War. 

Both of these wars were very unpopular with the 
people of the town of Marlborough. A few attempts 
were made to get up some enthusiasm, but they were 
dismal failures. Most of our people thought the^-e 
wars were uncalled for and that they could and should 
have been avoided. A few men may have drifted off 
and enlisted, but no record can be found of their en- 
listments. Certainly no one of any prominence from 
here took part in either war. 

A regiment for the war of 1812 was raised in the 
county under Colonel Hawkins, a lawyer of Kingston. 
It was mustered into service and stationed at Staten 
Island to cover New York, and the fortification in 
the Narrows. It was in no engagement, and after a 
few months returned home. After the capture of 
Washington in 1814, there was great alarm all 
through the country; and our people were expecting 
daily to see the enemy's vessels approaching our 
shores. It became necessary to increase the troops 
for the defense of New York harbor, and in August, 
1814, General Frederick Westbrook of Ulster county 
made a levy of 500 men from his command, and in 
September he embarked his men on sloops at King- 
ston Point for New York harbor. But, like Colonel 
Hawkins' regiment they saw no real warfare and re- 
turned home in December of the same year. 

I cannot find what men from this town were in 
these commands, but it is quite likely that there were 
some, as they were recruited all over the county. 

There was much rejoicing in the town on the 17th 
of February 1815, on the cessation of hostilities, and 
the treaty of peace. The war was injurious to the 



238 History of Marlborough. 

business of the country; it affected all class-es of 
people; the specie of the country was not in circula- 
tion, but was hoarded or exported; the banks stopped 
specie payment, and '' shin plasters " were issued, 
and circulated as money; our ancestors had no other 
currency for some time. Finally, those wliich were 
not lost or destroyed were redeemed in specie. 

As a conclusion to this article we give two poems 
written by Samuel A. Barrett. 



Our Country's Quarrel. 

(Written in the early stage of the Mexican war — soon after the sur- 
render of Monterey.) 

" Stand thou by thy country's quarrel, 
Be that quarrel what it may; 
He shall wear the greenest laurel 

Who shall gi-eatest zeal display." — T. G. Spear. 

What boots the "greenest laurel" wreath, 
If wet with tears and stain'd with blood? 

'Tis fouler than the Siroc's breath! 

And loathed by all the just and good. 

The cypress were a fitter wreath 

For those who do the work of Death, 

Unless inspired by Freedom's breath. 

Shame to the Bard whose lyre is strung 

To sound Dishonor's praise afar! 
Tho' prostituted Press and tongue 

Commend Oppression's coward war — 
The bard — the bard should ever be 
The champion of humanity, 
From prejudice and error free. 

There's blood on Palo Alto's plains ! 

And in Tampico's sunny sands ! 
That blood once flow'd in Christian veins. 

That blood was shed by Christian hands! 
Oh! wherefore was it shed? wherefore 
Do we invade a foreign shore? 
Or drench a foreicjn soil with gore? 



Our Country's Quarrel. 239 

Look up along the Eio Grande — 

A^Tiat desolation meets thine eye ! 
What monuments of ruin stand 

Amid its lovely scenery ! 

Fiend of War has reveled there ! 
And hamlet, cot, and country bear 
Marks of his presence everywhere. 

Gaze on Monterey's ruined walls, 

On fallen Matamoras gaze — 
The very sight thy soul appals ! 

And yet thou joinest in the praise 
Of those who laid those cities low. 
Who hurl'd the death-shot-struck and blow — 
And made the blood in torrents flow ! 

Hark ! every bland and balmy breeze, 

That comes from far-off Mexico, 
Oppressed with human miseries, 

And with the widow's wail of woe — 
Brings something what we should not hear, 
Brings something that should pain our ear. 
And wring from every eye a tear! 

Those bloody battles fought and won — 
What are they worth? what have they cost? 

What have they for our country done? 
What have they for our country lost? 

They've won for her a conquerors name. 

Leagued with dishonor and with shame! 

And lost her early, honest fame ! 

Millions of treasure, too, they've lost — 

But oh! the loss of human life 
Is ever greatest — ever most, 

Is War's unblest, unholy strife! 
What is the shout of victory, 
But War's appalling minstrelsy? 
The death-dirge of humanity! 

Wliy ride our ships on foreign seas? 

Why seek our troops a foreign foe? 
Wliy streams our banner on the breeze 

Of fair and sunny Mexico? 



240 History of Marlborough. 

Why comes the widow's wail afar, 
Blent with the awful notes of War? 
Canst answer why these sad things are? 

Is it because insulted Eight 

Seeks to enforce an honest claim? 

No ; — 'tis because oppressive Might 
Seeks to extend his wide domain ! 

Regardless of a Nation's laws, 

With scarce the shadow of a cause ! 

God ! who can give such deeds applause ? 

For this, are countless orphans made, — 
For this, are cities hurl'd to dust — 

And War, that most unholy trade, 

Is flattered, honored, and calTd "just!" 

Oh Heaven ! that such things e'er should be, 

In this the nineteenth century 

Of peaceful Christianity. 

Where are the hearts that felt for Greece, 

And wept o'er Poland's funeral day? 
Where are the partisans of Peace? 

Of Eight? of Justice? Where are they? 
Mute is their voice ! — or only heard 
In warnings, like the prophet's word. 
Who wields the sword shall feel the sword ! 

Why is the stateman's voice unheard ? 

Why sleeps the God-taught Poet's pen? 
Shall Nation's rights be sepulchred, 

And all respond amen ! amen ! 
Ye civil Fathers ! can it be ? 
Have you no soul of sympathy 
For justice and humanity? 

Awaken from your lethargy I 
The influence that you possess 

Can rule a nation's destiny, 

Can curse her fortunes, or can bless. 

Will ye not use it while ye may? 

Will ye not work, while yet 'tis day. 

For Peace and for America ? 



Ballad. 241 

Avert the military flood, 

Which threatens to o'erwhehn our land; 
Some upstart hero, drunk with blood, 

Will soon aspire to its command ! 
'Twas ever thus — the ghost of Eome, 
From crumbling fane and ruin'd dome. 
Warns of the evil that may come ! 
December, 1846. 



Ballad. 



When the Hudson's waves are gleaming 
In the moonlight's mellow ray, 

Lovely Ellen lonely wanders, 
From her dwelling far away. 

When the rose of youth was blooming 
On her soft and snowy cheek. 

And the world was bright before her, 
Edwin did her dwelling seek. 

Earnestly he woo'd and won her — 
She became his happy bride — 

And where now she wanders lonely. 
Oft they wandered side l)y side. 

They were loving, loved and lovely ; 

Life to them was fall of bliss — 
Three glad, sunny summers l)rought them 

Pleasures, healtli, and happiness. 

But a sudden change came o'er them ! 

Duty beckon'd him afar : 
Oh ! that man should e'er be sommon'd 

By the tragic voice of War ! 

On the field of Cerro Gordo, 
Edwin slumbers with the slain ! 

When the awful news was brought her, 
Eeason fled her fevered brain. 

Xow, a wretched maniac, roving 
Thro' the scenes of former bliss. 

The once gay and lovely Ellen 
Dreams no more of happiness. 



242 



History of Marlborough, 



An Old Assessment Roll. 

Assessment of the Lands in William Bond's Patten t, for 
Quit Eents, made by James Hallock and Benjamin Townsend, 
Assessors. 

Marlborough, 16th October, 1815. 



Men's Names. 

James Hallock 

Foster Hallock 

David Conkliu 

Francis Pell 

Hallock & Sowles 

Joshua Sutton 

Ricliard I. Woolsey 

James Hull 

Alexander Young 

James Fowler 

Thomas Mackej^ 

Nathaniel Chittenden 

Comfort Lewis 

Benjamin Townsend 

Volentine Lewis 

Micajah Lewis , 

Rufus N. Lewis 

Nathaniel Woolsey 

Zadock Lewis 

Friends' meeting-house lot 

Amount 7 



Marll)oroiigli. Tenth Month 
the 16 1815 

BENJ'>^^ TOWNSEXD 
JAMES HALLOCK. 



No. of 
Acres. 


Amount Each 
Person has 
to pay. 
ct. mills. 


150 


$14 70 


91 


8 91 8 


1 


9 8 


1 


9 8 


4 


39 2 


50 


4 90 


50 


4 90 


80 


7 84 


49 


4 80 2 


103 


10 09 4 


35 


3 43 


6 


58 8 


50 


4 90 


30 


2 94 


14 


1 37 2 


5 


49 


4 


39 2 


24 


2 35 2 


24 


2 35 2 


1 


9 8 


, .. 772 


$75 52 5 



Assessors 



The above is a copy of an assessment roll of the 
lands and people on the Bond Patent for quitrents. 
At this time all the lands of the Bond Patent had been 
sold to actual settlers, and I cannot see why an assess- 
ment for quitrent was made, or where the money went 
to, for what purpose it was used, and how or why 
Benjamin Townsend and James Hallock were asses- 
sors of the lands of this patent. The duly elected 






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ASSESSME.NT iU)l.l. iJO.M) i'.VTK.M. 







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An Old Assessment Eoll. 243 



assessors of the town for the year 1815 were Allen 
Lester- Eliplialet Smith and George Birdsall. So this 
quitrent assessment must have been for some special 
purpose, and probably had been continued from the 
earliest settlements, when such an assessment and tax 
were the custom. The document makes the acreage 
of the Bond Patent as 772 acres, which is probably 
correct, as surveys were made by purchasers. The 
original grant called for 600 acres, but this was ex- 
clusive of lands for roads and rugged and barren 
lands. 

Horatio G-ates Saiford, LL. D., in a Gazetteer pub- 
lished in 1813, describes Marlborough as follows: 

The land is under good cultivation, and is productive of all 
the common agricultural products of this region. A larger 
proportion of English families than any town in the coimtry. 

The road of the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge Co. termi- 
nates in this town. * * * There are seven or eight 
schools. In 1810, population 1964. There are ahout 74 looms in 
families which produce annually 22,937 yards of cloth for com- 
mon clothing. 

Satford's Gazetteer of 1824 gives the following de- 
scription of Marlborough: 

Marlborough, a small Township in the southeast corner of 
Ulster County, on the west shore of the Hudson opposite 
Bamegat, 23 miles south of Kingston, bd, N. by New Paltz, E. 
by Hudson, S. by Newburgh and County of Orange, W. by 
Plattekill. Its medial extent N". and S. is about six miles and 
it may be three wide, its area about eighteen sq. miles. The 
land is under general cultivation and it produces of all the 
common agricultural products of the region. The inhabi- 
tants consist of a larger proportion of English families than 
in uiost of the Towns of this County. 

The road of the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge Company 
terminates in this town. There are a good many " Friends " 
in this town, who have a Meeting House, and there is also one 
for the Presbyterians. 

There is a small Hamlet called iMilton, a neighborhood called 
Lattintown, besides some river landings and places of business. 
The lands are held by right of sale. Population, 2,248 ; tax- 



244 History of Marlborough. 

able property, $108,172; electors, 364; acreas of improved land, 
9,436; 1,665 cattle; 424 horses; 2,092 sheep; 10,887 yds. of 
cloth, made in families; 7 grist-mills; 5 saw-mills; 2 "fulling 
mills; 3 carding machines; 1 cotton and woolen factory and 
1 distillery. One of the stated places of monthly meeting. 

The description of Marlborough published in Jedi- 
diah Morse's "American Gazetteer" 1789 is as 
follows : 

New Marlborough, a township in Ulster County, New York, 
on the west side of Hudson's river, north of Newburgh. It 
contains 2,241 inhabitants; of whom 339 are electors and 58 
slaves. 

At the time of this last description the population 
also included what is now Plattekill, as that was not 
separated from Marlborough until 1800; but by 1810 
Marlborough alone had reached a population of 1,9G4; 
and in 1820 it had a population of 2,248. It was at 
that time the smallest town in point of area in the 
county but with more population than most of them, 
and had more than one-half the population the town 
now has, showing it has been a populous country 
town from earliest times. The lands were under quite 
general cultivation or improvements, — 9,436 acres 
out of about 14,500, the whole acreage of the town. 
The description of location as being opposite 
Barnegat sounds strange now when there is not a ves- 
tage left of the place except the ruins of the kilns and 
foundations of houses. At the time spoken of there 
were a large number of kilns and a small village of 
houses. An extensive business was done in burning 
and shipping lime. The town was then a strictly 
farming community; cattle, sheep and horses were 
plentiful,— 2,992 sheep are given, 1,665 cattle. To be 
sure there is no such number here now, and 424 horses 
will cover most all we have at the present time. 

The munber of mills appear large, but at that time 
all the flour was made from the grain raised on the 



Ancient Houses. 245 



farms,— it was not brought here in barrels from 
abroad; and the Imnber for all purposes was sawed 
from the logs cut on the farms, and the boards carted 
back home to build houses, etc. Mills had commenced 
to assist in the manufacture of cloth. The one dis- 
tillery is a luxury that has gone out of existence ; our 
people must have been moderate drinkers, as Platte- 
kill, at the same time, had seven. The Quakers 
boasted of a monthly meeting. Taken all in all it 
gives a very clear description of the state of things 
in the town in those times. 



Ancient Houses. 
The original houses were mostly log; they were 
•easily and cheaply built. The first settlers had no saw 
mills and, therefore, no boards except such as they 
split or hewed out to use for the floors, doors, etc. 
Many afterward built stone houses as additions to the 
log houses. AVhen the saw mills started up then the 
frame buildings commenced to be built. The material 
was cheap and, as mechanics were scarce, the settlers 
generally constructed their own dwellings. Abner 
Brusch, who owned the south half of the Barbarie 
Patent, where Milton now is, or his grantor, Richard 
Albertson, built a log house at the Conkliu place, 
Milton, about 1740; he afterward built a small frame 
house which is still standing, being the north part of 
the Conklin house. It is the same as when built and 
has two huge stone fireplaces. This is one of the 
oldest, if not the oldest house now standing in the 
town. The next house built about the same time or 
previous is the stone house adjoining the Lester place 
on the north. This was on the Bond Patent. John 
Young lived here in 1760 and some time previously; 
he liad married one of the ten daughters of Edward 



246 History of Marlborough. 

Hallock, and in December, 1760, Edward Hallock 
moved his family up in a sloop from Long Island. He 
brought his wife, nine daughters and two sons, and 
moved in with his son-in-law, and nineteen people 
wintered in this small house in which there has never 
been any change made. Hallock was a Quaker 
preacher, and here were held the first (Quaker meet- 
ings. There is a tradition that a peddler years after 
was murdered here and his body thrown into the river. 
The old road leading to the river went by this house 
at this time. Afterward it was changed further north 
to its present location. The house at Sear's corner, 
the Sturgeon house, belonged to the Lewis family for 
many years. It was erected before the Revolution^ 
most likely by Elijah Lewis ; people congregated here 
to get the news. A road led down from the back 
country to Lewis' dock. This house was a stopping 
place for the line of stages running in winter from 
New York to Albany. These three houses are with- 
out question the oldest houses in the town. The Du- 
Bois house at Marlborough and the Smith house at 
Milton were built about 1765 ; they are almost as sub- 
stantial as when erected. The Smith house has an 
addition. The house built hj Noah Woolsey, where 
Amelia Woolsey recently died, the James Nolan house, 
at the brook or a part of it, a part of the H. H. Hal- 
lock house, the Odell, Sulvenus Purdy, the old North- 
rip house, the house of the late William H. Lyons, the 
house where Theodore Rhodes recently lived, the 
house at the mill on the Hallock place, the Frank 
Wood and Stott houses and several others were built 
prior to 1800. Also the Martin house on the turn- 
pike, which was a tavern. 

Many old houses have been torn down during the 
last fifty years. The William Holmes house recently 
torn down by A. J. LEepworth was a very old house. 
It was used as a tavern in olden times, and the town 



Ancient Mills and Factories. 247 

meeting was held there in the year 1801. A hundred 
years ago there was at least a dozen log and twice 
that number of stone houses standing. And on all the 
oldest farms there were hous-es in 1800 on the same 
sites as the present residences. 



Ancient Mills and Factories. 

Edward Hallock, between 1760 and 1770 built a 
grist and saw mill on Hallock 's brook at Milton, just 
west of the post road at the foot of the first hill; 
afterward the mill was changed to a point farther 
north, where it now stands. He erected, dams on the 
stream, wliich made the commencement of the Hallock 
ponds. 

About this time Leonard Smith and his son, Anning 
Smith, built the Smith pond, a mile above where the 
Mary Powell dock now is at Milton. They started a 
woolen factory, and a saw and grist mill, which were 
in existence many 3'ears. They also had a store there, 
and it wag quite an active place. 

^ Major Lewis DuBois had two grist mills on old 
Man's Kill in what is now Marlborough village. He 
also had a saw mill on the south side of the kill. 

About 1790 Charles Millard had a saw mill on 
Jew's creek. He sawed lumber for the people, and 
also sold and sliipped lumber. In 1809 he also had 
a grist mill there. In 1815 John Buckley, who was an 
expert wheelwright, machinist and manufacturer, pur- 
chased this property of Millard, and had a carding 
and spinning mill there; a part of the old mill is still 
standing. He spun and carded wool for the farmers, 
and soon after began making cloth. In 1822 he took 
James and John Thorne in as partners under the firm 
name of " Thornes and Buckley," and the place be- 
came known as the ]\Iarlborough woolen factory, in 



248 History of Marlborough. 

which the business and facilities were increased. In 
connection with the previous products, broadcloths 
and satins were manufactured. The firm was dis- 
solved in 1830 but was carried on by Mr. Buckley in 
the same manner until 1855. During this time no 
better work was done in the State. The goods were a 
standard article wherever they were sold, and large 
amounts were manufactured. A large part of the 
farmers of southern Ulster and Orange counties were 
supplied with their best cloth from here. 

The late Mrs. Martha Poyer, (formerly Miss 
Tooker), a descendant of one of the oldest families, 
who died during the past year at the age of 93, had a 
puri^le cloak that was made from cloth made from the 
wool of her father's sheep when she was a girl. It is 
of heavy cloth, and lias seen more than 75 years of ser- 
vice. The color is bright and clear and it is in a good 
state of preservation. It is quite a curiosity in its 
way. It was always kept by the owner as her dress- 
up cloak. 

Foster Hallock carried on a grist mill about the 
year 1800 on the Hallock brook. His son Greorge 
afterward conducted it, and now his grandson Robert 
H. Hallock runs it, and is doing an extensive business. 
It is substantially the original mill with a few altera- 
tions. The original mill and pond were built by 
Sutton, and used many years before Hallock. 

Silas Purdy had a grist mill and perhaps a saw 
mill in 1765 and for many years afterward at what 
is now the Henry E. Gaede place, and until recent 
years there had been a mill there ever since. There 
was also a tavern and a store at this place, Purdy 
had one of the earliest mills; there were fulling, card- 
ing and other mills at different times along the stream 
from his place to Marlborough village. 

Wolvert Ecker, the old patriot, had one of the very 
earliest mills on Jew's creek just over the town line. 



Vessels and Transportation. 249 

where the Armstrong place now is, and this accommo- 
dated the people of all that neighborhood in early 
times. This mill was in existence over a hnndred 
years. I find in very ancient pa])ers that there was 
a " Deyoes " mill, " Henry Tnrbnshe's " mill and 
" Samnel Merritt's " mill, but I cannot locate them. 



Vessels and Transportation. 

After the settlers commenced to arrive here it be- 
came necessary to have some means of travel by the 
river. The rowboat and canoe were of no service 
except to cross the river and for use along the shores 
for short distances, so the people soon turned their 
attention toward the building of sloops. Smith built 
a sloop at his dock before the Revolution; it was 
called "Sally." Sloops were also built at Sands' dock. 
Jacob and John Wood, Caverly and others were sloop 
builders, and built vessels along the river. It re- 
quired no great science to build these, but it was quite 
an industry and many vessels were built, not only 
for use here, but for use abroad. There were many 
skilled carpenters ; and the boats they afterward 
built were made larger and with more pains taken in 
their construction. Some were built of red cedar, and 
considered very choice, and were subsequently planked 
and replanked and lasted a long time. They were 
made tight, seaworthy and strong, and when equipped 
with sails, even the smaller ones, could easily make 
trips up and down the entire river. Aiming Smith 
ran his sloop for years from his dock. It made one 
triji) a week to New York, From the next dock, called 
Ni( oil's landing, afterward Bruscli and then Sands' 
dock) a sloop ran to New York. Sands had a store 
at this dock in his time. Isaac Hill ran two sloops 
from what is now the Powell dock. Hill was a di- 



250 History of Marlborough. 



rector and instrumental in building the Farmers' 
Turnpike to bring business to the dock. Jacob and 
Thomas Powell ran two sloops from their dock. 
There was transportation from there twice a week. 
Quimby and Lewis also ran sloops and Millard and 
DuBois. These were not all run at the same time, 
but from 1760 to 1830. 

The principal staple here was wood, and New York 
city wanted large quantities. We had no coal then, 
and thus the sloops had all the wood they could carry. 
As the lands were cleared up and the crops grew, the 
produce was shipped by these sloops. The farmers 
sent their butter, grain, hogs, cattle and cider, in fact 
everything they could spare from their own use to 
New York, as this was the principal if not the only 
market they had. The sloops returning brought goods 
and supplies for the stores and people. 

They afforded the only means of travel. A person 
going to New York or Albany or on trips of shorter 
distances must either go on his horse or take the 
sloop. It was rather a slow trip, taking about a week 
to go and return and transact his business, but no 
one was in a hurry in those days. The sloops were 
fitted up with cabins, that is to say the vessels on 
which people traveled, and they generally had a good 
cook, so it was a pleasant trip and answered for an 
outing. The trip cost little, and it was a great thing 
to get to the city then. Certain vessels made trips 
as regularly as wind and tide allowed, and carried 
passengers principally together with freight. The 
entire travel and forwarding of the river was done in 
this manner. The river was white with sails, and I 
have heard old people say they could go up on the 
hills almost any time and count fifty sails in sight. 
After a while fast sailing packets handsomely fitted 
up sailed from Albany to New York, stopping at 
intermediate places, making good time and thereby 



Vessels and Transportation. 251 

affording great improvement on the former means of 
travel. 

Smith's sloop " Sally " was in the service of the 
government in the Revolution. It was used afterward 
and later tied at the south of Smith's dock and sunk 
there; the body of the vessel could be seen at low 
water-mark up to the time the West Shore railroad 
was built. 

There were many lime-kilns and good limestone at 
Barnegat. Sloops brought it across the river, and it 
was burn-ed at the Lewis and Powell kilns. Lime was 
also burned in the southeastern part of the town at 
what is now the Kerr property. This made con- 
siderable trade, and sloops transported it up and 
down the river. 

The sloop " Stranger " was run from DuBois' dock 
about 1820 and some years thereafter. The '^ Hoyt " 
was run about the same time by Mobary Carpenter. 
As trade increased Carpenter and Josiah Lockwood, 
about 1825, sailed two sloops from Marlborough to 
New York. The sloops were the '' Victory" and 
^'Robert Menturn. " They carried all kinds of pro- 
duce and did an extensive business. The captain sold 
the cargoes at the boat, for there were no commission 
merchants then. These vessels ran several years. 

All transportation was by sailing vessels up to 
1825, and some even after that date. Steamboats had 
then come into use, and they took about all the travel. 
A 7iumber of the landings did not afford proper dock- 
ing facilities for these vessels, so the passengers were 
rowed out in small boats to them. It made a lively 
time for passengers getting on and off, with packages 
and freight being tossed right and left. 

There was a good steamboat landing at Milton as 
early as 1830. I believe before that time steamboats 
landed here. In 1830 Peter Quimby advertised: 



252 History of Marlborough. 

Steam Boat Notice. 

The Hudson Eiver Steam Boat Line is now plying between 
New- York and Albany, leaving New- York at 5 o'clock, P. M. 
every day, (except Sunday) when they leave Albany at 10 
o'clock A. M'. 

The Steam Boats arrive at Milton from Xew-York every 
night between eleven and twelve o'clock. From Albany, they 
arrive at Milton between three and four o'clock every after- 
noon. The boats will land and receive passengers at the Steam 
Boat Landing, Milton. 

Milton, May 3rd, 1830. PETER QLHIBY 

After the advent of steamboats barges came in use. 
The steamers would bring them alongside of the dock, 
and after they were loaded up, towed them to the city. 
They took the place of sloops to some extent, and were 
quicker and more convenient. I cannot tell how early 
they were used in this town, but some time prior to 
1830. In that year I find the following advertise- 
ment : 

Tow-Boat Atlanta. 

Captain Corn well S. Roe. 

Li^rged by a sense of duty by his numerous friends announces 
the uninterrupted prosecution of his Towing Business, and 
assures the public that there is no ditficulty now, even remote 
in appearance; he makes this notice for the express purpose to 
settle the agitation of the public in relation to the steam boat 
accident, some time since, by running against a sloop. * * * 
Wanted Eye, Oats and Corn — at fair prices — Cash on 
delivery. ' C. S. ROE. 

Milton, May 19. 1830. 

This barge or the " Lexington," Capt. Roe, stopped 
regularly at Marlborough. Also the barge " Wall- 
kill " ran from Milton in 1848, and the barge "Milan" 
in 1857 and 1858, and other barges. 1 cannot find 
how long any of these barges were on the route. There 
were barges almost continuously from that time until 
about 1860. After which time the steamboats did 
the work of these. 



Fereies and Docks. 253 

In 1836 a stock company placed the steamboat 
" Fannie " on the Marlborough route, and ran to 
New York twice a week. Jacob H. Tremper com- 
manded this early steam craft, which was run two 
years, and then sold because the business did not pay. 
Afterward the steamboat " Splendid," owned by 
Millard & Mills, was put on the route in 1844 and 
1845, and remained some time. In 1857 the pro- 
peller '' Wyoming " was run by Millard & Holden. 

The town has been well supplied with steamboats 
since 1830 for passenger travel. Since about 1850 
most of the freight and produce have been carried by 
steamboats, which make a specialty of such business. 
For several years the line ran from Hudson and for 
the past fifty or sixty years it has been chiefly from 
Eondout, and now it is the Central Hudson Trans- 
portation Company. The transportation business has 
been all that could be desired. It is an interesting 
matter to follow transportation from the crude service 
at its commencement down to the excellent service we 
now have. 



Ferries and Docks. 
This town was originally settled almost entirely by 
people from Long Island, and Westchester county. 
The people coming up brought their horses, cattle and 
goods with them. The constant traveling between 
them and the friends they left behind made it neces- 
sary to early establish a ferry here that could carry 
teams, etc. The first ferry was a barge or scow with 
sails and oars and ran on signals. There was a ferry 
at Milton called Lattimer's ferry, running from the 
old stone house south of the depot to a point across 
the river. This was in operation during the Revo- 
lutionary War and for many years afterward. It was 



254 History of Marlborough. 

said that during the war regular communication was 
kept up between the patriots of Boston and the forces 
in the Highlands of New Jersey. Money to pay the 
troops and other valuables were carried on this ferry. 
The old stone house was a short distance south of 
where the railroad depot now is, and it was torn 
down when the railroad was built. It is presiuned 
that Samuel Hallock ran this ferry at one time. He 
certainly had a ferry there at the time Vaughn went 
up the river, and his boat was spared because he was 
a Quaker. His ferry may have run a part of the time 
from Brusch's landing, sometimes called Nicoll's 
landing, which Hallock purchased in 1776. 

The following, taken from Piatt's History of 
Poughkeepsie, is an advertisement of a ferry (1798) 
in the Poughkeepsie Journal : 

N. B. The Ferryes is now established upon a reguhar plan, 
and travelers to the Westward will find it much to their con- 
venience to cross the river at the above place as it shortens their 
journey, and they may be sure they will meet with no detention. 

This doubtless indicates the beginning of regular 
ferry service at Poughkeepsie. There is no record 
of franchise from the State. Previously horses and 
wagons, cattle, etc., had crossed at Theophilus Antho- 
ney's (Milton) ferry four miles below Poughkeepsie. 
This ferry ran from Anthony's Point above where 
the stone crushers are now, across the river to where 
the old stone house stood. It appears to be the same 
as Lattimer's ferry. This ferry was called by both 
names, and was one and the same ferry. I find it 
spoken of on this side of the river as Lattimer's ferry, 
and on the other side as Anthony's ferry. It may 
have been owned by these different parties at differ- 
ent times. It afforded the principal or only crossing 
for teams, etc., for several miles up and down the 
river. 



Ferries and Docks. 255 

I have had hard work to trace the ferry of Samuel 
Hallock; it must have run at some time from what is 
now Sand's dock, which he owned, to some point on 
the other side of the river. It would appear that his 
ferry was cotemporary with, at least a part of the 
time, Lattimer's ferry. There was considerable travel 
across the river in early tim-es, as people from miles 
back in the country on either side, in fact from the 
Connecticut line through to the Delaware river on this 
side, crossed here. It would not be unreasonable to 
suppose that two ferries were running here at the 
same time for several years. 

The first local ferry is said to have been a barge or 
scow rowed by slaves ; it carried teams, but sometimes 
the liDrses were tied and swam behind the boat. In 
March, 1849, the Milton ferry was established by 
Capt. Sears ; he ran it a couple of years and then sold 
out to Capt. Handley, who conducted it about ten 
years. It was a boat with four mules" that turned a 
tread wheel for the power; it ran regularly and was 
a great convenience to all the neighborhood about 
here; it was also used by people from Plattekill, 
Gardiner and Shawangunk. It was a great service to 
the community and Capt. Handley was entitled to 
much credit. It was attended with much expense and 
finally did not pay and was therefore discontinued. 

By an act of the Legislature in 1851, a charter for 
a ferry was granted to Walter Millard and Uriah 
Mills, called the New Hamburgh and Hampton ferry, 
from Millard's dock to the dock of Alexander and 
William Young, to keep and maintain a ferry boat 
capable and sufficient for conveyance of carriages, 
horses, cattle and passengers. This ferry was run 
for a couple of years, and then discontinued. Just 
to think of it, that we had a ferry here long before 
there was one at Poughkeepsie, and people from there, 



256 History of Marlboeough, 

wishing to go back in the country on this side of the 
river, for years came here to cross. In all that time, 
people from this town could regularly cross the river 
with teams, etc., when the water was not too raiigii, 
and now with all our population and wealth, we must 
go to Newburgh or Poughkeepsie to get anything 
larger than a rowboat to carry us over. After the 
Handley ferry was discontinued, the people here ob- 
tained a charter to run a steam ferry across, and most 
l)rominent men here were the directors, but nothing 
ever came of it. 

About 1755 Abner Brush became the owner of the 
south i)art of the Barbaric Patent containing about 
1,000 acres. He built a dock or landing called Brush's 
landing; it was before that called Nicoll's landing, 
and was situated at what is now Sand's dock. About 
this time there was a landing at what is now Hampton, 

Jacob Wood and Philip Caverly, about 1780, had a 
dock at the foot of what is now Dog's street, and built 
sloops and vessels there. 

Lewis DuBois built a dock at Marlborough almost 
as soon as he settled there; he also had a saw-mill, 
the road to which was on the south side of the creek. 
Lewis, Quimby and Townsend had docks along the 
river which were reached by the road from North- 
rip's corner, south of the present depot at Milton. 
Elijah Lewis kept a store and had a lime-kiln. 
Jacob and Thomas Powell had the Townsend dock. 
In 1791 they ran sloops from there to New York ; they 
kept, a store and were licensed to keep tavern; they 
also had lime-kilns. They remained here several 
years and then went to Newburgh. 

About 1786 Benjamin Sands l)uilt what is now the 
Mary Powell landing at Milton; in 1799 he sold to 
Isaac Hill; in 1809 Hill sold to Wm. Soper; in 1836 
Soper sold to Absalom Barrett. 



The Hudson River. 257 

Some time j^revious to 1799 Charles Millard had 
a dock at what is now the Millard docks at Marl- 
borough. The dock was there previous to his time and 
was purchased by him and enlarged, and has been 
enlarged from time to time since, so that now it is 
among the b-est docks along the river. It has been in 
the family for more than a hundred years. I find the 
following in an ancient paper : 

Six thousand boards and planks for sale by the subscribers 
at his mill on Jew's Creek for cash, or any kind of country 
produce. All those who are indebted to the subscribers for 
boards are requested to call and settle their accounts by the 
15th day of March next or they will be prosecuted without 
discrimination. 

Marlborough Feb. 20, 1799. 

CHARLES MILLARD. 

N. B. A store to let with four rooms on the floor and the 
privilege of a dock. Enquire as above. 



The Hudson River. 

The Mohegans, or as sometimes called Hahakondas 
Indians, who resided on its eastern banks, called the 
river Mahakeneghtue, supposed to mean '' continu- 
ally flowing water." The Mohawks and Algonquins 
each had a separate name for it. Henry Hudson, its 
first white -explorer, called it the river of the moun- 
tains, but it was not called Hudson until the English 
became the owners of the country, when they so named 
it in honor of their countryman, its first explorer. 
Henry Hudson, on September 3, 1609, anchored his 
vessel, the " Halfmoon " in what is now New York 
bay, and on the morning of the 12th sailed up the 
river. On the 15tli and 16th, the time he was passing 
from the upper highlands past what is now Newburgh 
and this town, he says in his journal: 

The fifteentli, in the morning, was misty until the sunne 
.arose; then it cleered. So we weighed with the wind at South, 
9 



258 HiSTOKY OF Marlborough. 

and ran up tlie riuer twentie leagues, passing by high moun- 
tains. AA^ee had a very good depth, as six, seuen, eight, nine, 
twehie, and tliirteen fathoms, and great store of salmons in 
the riuer. Tliis morning our two sauages got out of a port 
and swam away. After we were under sayle they called to us 
in scorne. At night we came to other mountains which lie 
from the riuer's side. There wee fovnd very louing people 
and very old men; where we were well vsed. Our boat went to 
fish, and caught great store of very good fish. 

The sixteenth faire, and very hot weather. In the morning 
ovr boat went againe to fishing, but could catch but few by 
reason their canoes had beene there all night. This morning 
the people came aboord, and Ijrought vs ears of Indian corne 
and pompions and tobacco, which wee bought for trifles. Wee 
rode still all day and filled fresh water; at night we weighted 
and went two leagues higher and had shoaled water, so we 
anchored till day. 

Hudson on liis return trip down the river on the 
twenty-ninth and tliirtietli wrote as follows : 

The nine-and-twentieth was drie, close weather; the wind at 
south and south l)y west; wee weighed early in the morning, 
and turned down three leagues by a lowe water, and anchored 
at the lower end of the long reacli, for it is six leagues long. 
Then there came certain Indians in a canoe to vs, but would 
not come aboord. After dinner there came the canoe with 
other men, whereof three came aboord us. They brought 
Indian wheat, which we bought for trifles. At three of the 
elocke in the afternoon we weighed, as soon as the ebbe came, 
and turned downe to the edge of the mountaines, or the norther- 
most of the Mountaines, and anchored, because the high land 
hath many points, and a narrow channel, and hath many eddie 
winds. So we rode quietly all night in seuen fathoms water. 

The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east 
a stiffe gale between the Mountaynes. ^Ye rode still the after- 
noone. The people of the Countrey came aboord vs, and 
brought some small skinnes with them, which we bought for 
kniues and trifles. This a very pleasant place to build a towne 
on. The road is every neere, and very good for all winds, saue 
on east-north-east wind. The Mountaynes look as if some 
metal or mineral were in them. For the trees that grew on 
them were all blasted, and some of them barren, with few or 
no trees on them. The people brought a stone aboord like to 



Jeffrow's Hook. 259 



emery (a stone used by glasiers to cut glasse) ; it woiild cut 
iron or Steele. Yet being bruised small, and water put to it, 
it made a colour like blacke lead glistening; it is also good for 
painters' colours. iVt three of the clocke they departed, and 
we rode still all night. 

The u appears in place of v, and v in place of n. 
The spelling, etc., is left as in the original. 

It is plainly seen by this journal that in those early 
times there were many Indians about here and lots 
of fish, notably the valuable salmon. Tradition has 
it that fish, especially shad, were very plentiful, and 
in the springtime large numbers of settlers congre- 
gated here to fish, many coming from long distances 
in the country. Several men would drag a net across 
any cove along shore and draw it to the land and take 
large numbers of fish. Only as far back as sixty or 
seventy years shad could be purchased for five and 
six dollars a hundred, and every fanner expected to 
and did salt and lay down from one to three barrels of 
shad, which generally furnished the material for 
supper for the rest of the season. Salmon were very 
numerous up to one hundred years ago, but they have 
all now disappeared. It was said of the Indians who 
planted their crops for years in the same hill, that 
they fertilized their land by putting a fish in each 
hill. 



Jeffrow's Hook, 

Jeffrow's Hook, now known as Blue Point, was 
first so named by the early Dutch navigators ; it being 
a high bluff extending into the river was an objective 
point and seen by the navigators for miles up and 
down the river, I first find the name recorded in the 
patent of land granted by Governor Edmond Andros 
to '' Lewis DuBois and partners " in 1677, known as 
the Paltz Patent. The patent says: 



260 History of Marlborough. 



Whereas, There is a certain piece of laud at Esopus which, 
by my appropriation and consent, has been acquired from the 
Indian proprietors by Louis Du Bois and his associates; the 
said land being situated on the south side of the redoubt called 
creek or kill, being from (i. e., beginning at) the high moun- 
tain called Maggonck; thence extending from the Southwest 
side, near the great river, to a certain point or hoqk called :he 
Jauffrouc hook, situated along the tract called by the Indians 
Magaatramis, * * * 

It will be observed that the patent begins at the 
high mountain called Mognnk, and in order to pre- 
serve this point from future dispute about the loca- 
tion, they had a certificate made as follows : 

These are to certify that the Inhabitants of the towne of 
New Paltz, being desirous that the first station of their patent, 
named Moggonck, might be kept in rememljrance, did desire 
us, Joseph Horsbrook, John IIardenl)urgh. Roleft Eltinge, 
Esqs., Justices of the peace for the County of Ulster, to accom- 
pany them their, and their being Ancrop, the Indian, their 
brought us to the High Mountain, which he named Maggen- 
apogh, at or near the foot of which hill is a small run of water, 
and a swamp which he called Maggonck, and the said Indian, 
Ancrop afirms itt to be the right Indian names of the saicl 
places, as witness our hands this nineteenth day of December, 
1722. 

[Signed] JOSEPH HASBEOUCK. 

HAEDENBEEGH. 

EOELOFF ELTING. 

These were two prominent points of the Paltz 
Patent, the first being the southeast corner, and the 
second the southwest corner. In ancient surveys a 
line in one course is run between these points. About 
1760 Charles Clinton ran this line and laid it down 
on a map. Dr. Benjamin Ely of Marlborough in liis 
map, made in 1797, shows this line, and also another 
line in one course from Mogunk (now Paltz Point) 
to a beech stump at the river; this is our north town 
line. The course is given on the map. By a previous 
survey and map this point at the river is given as a 



Jeffeow's Hook. 261 



beech tree. Both lines ran to Paltz Point, but at th-e 
river these lines were about a half a mile apart. Our 
north line was the north line of the John Barbarie 
patent, and the same line as from the point to the 
beech stump. 

There soon arose controversies and disputes about 
the title to the land between these lines. Hugh "Went- 
worth in early times claimed the lands under his 
patent, and the Paltz patentees also claimed the land, 
and to hold this claim they put Denis or Denie Relyea 
on it. He built a small log house south of Jetf row's 
Hook at a small run of water, and he commenced to 
el-ear up the land for the Paltz people. There was 
much litigation about the land ; I believe the last suit 
Avas between LeFevre and Ketcham in 1794, and was 
against the Paltz people, though many were never 
satisfied that this decision was correct. Dr. Ely gives 
both of these lines,- and recognizes the north line and 
Jeff row's Hook as the correct line and point. He had 
lived within a few miles of it all his life, had surveyed 
the surrounding lands for years, and ran all the lines 
given on his map. No one was better able to deter- 
mine the locations and there is very little doubt but 
that he was right. Dr. Ely is thought to have been a 
soldier of the Revolution ; he practiced medicine from 
the close of the war, all through this town and Lloyd, 
then the east part of New Paltz, up to the time of his 
death, about 1820. He was, I believe, the largest slave 
holder in the town. He served for years as Commis- 
sioner of Highways, Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, 
and as Supervisor, longer than any other person in 
the town. He was the principal man about the town 
in his day. 

Th-e Denie Relyea spoken of, according to tradition, 
was the son of Denis Relje (Relyea) whom Capt. John 
Evans, in 1694 or 1695 located on his patent at tlie 
Old Man's Kill at Marlborough. 



262 History of Marlborough. 

In 1750 George Harrison obtained a patent for 
2,000 acres. It was in three lots: The first lot was 
entirely in the town of Marlborough, and the second 
also in the town except that it passed beyond what is 
now the town line to the other line, and is described 
as follows : 

Beginning at the southwest corner of the lands granted to 
Jolm Barbarie and runs thenee along his west bounds and to 
a straight line which runs from the point in the High Hills 
on the west side of the Paltz Eiver now commonly called and 
known by the name of the Paltz point to a point on the west 
side of Hudson River commonly called and knowTi by the name 
of Jeffrow's hook or point, Xorth 22 degrees, East 176 chains 
and 30 links, then along the aforesaid line from the said Paltz 
point to the said Jeffrow's point or hook, * * * 

Paltz point is here named, which is the first place 
I find it. This matter is here spoken of more par- 
ticularly as it has been a matter of so much contro- 
versy and uncertainty. It is now being written about 
in the public press, and it is well to give what informa- 
tion we have about it. 



CHAPTER X. 

Facts and Incidents. 

Nathaniel Adams built a brickyard at Marlborough 
at the Young place, about 1825. It was carried on 
for several years, when the clay becoming poor or 
scarce it was discontinued. The lands were after- 
ward sold to William C. Young, and he later leveled 
the sand bank on the property to the north of Landing 
street. It used to run steep all the way to the dock. 
He built Young's dock and certainly made great 
improvements about there. About the same time or 
soon after the yard spoken of above was in existence. 
Young & Moore established a yard at the river at the 
Ackerly place. There were quite a number of men 
employed here, and it was said the vote of the town 
was very much increased thereby, but like the first, 
in a few years it ceased to exist. These and the Hal- 
lock yard were the only brickyards of wliicli I can 
find any record. 

One hundred years ago wolves were quite plentiful. 
They had a run or crossing place from across the river 
in the winter east of the Mansion House, now Wilmot 
place, to the moimtains. They were often seen cross- 
ing the post road, wher-e they sometimes attacked 
people, but always avoided the clearings. 

To be sure the black bear was not then extinct, and 
was frequently caught; and such places used to be 
pointed out. 

Pigeons were then in great abundance, but they 
only came at stated times — did not nest here. Flocks 
of thousands would come together, and when they 
alighted or roosted they would get in such numbers 
on the trees as to break great limbs with their weight. 
They were caught by thousands in nets, and also were 



264 History of Marlborough. 

shot in great numbers. In fact at sucli times so many 
were taken that all could not be used for food, and 
were fed to the hogs in large quantities. They are 
about extinct here now — very seldom one is to be 
seen. 

Lewis DuBois, son of the major, advertised his full- 
ing mill, August 6, 1810, in the Newburgh Political 
Index as follows: 

A Clothier wanted at the mill of the subscribers; oue who 
can come well recommended, either on shares or otherwise; 
The stand is one of the best in the country, it being ten miles 
distant from any other fulling mill. 

The mill is now calculated for carding also. 

LEWIS Dubois. 

The clothier secured could not have been satis- 
factory, for on February 4, 1811, appears the follow- 
ing notice : 

Dissolution: the public is informed that the partnership of 
Lewis DuBois and Nathan Tupper, in the Clothier's business 
was disolved on the first of December last. 

LEWIS Dubois. 

■ The first regular stage route on the east side of 
the river between New York and Albany was estab- 
lished in 1785. Our people here crossed the river and 
took this route when they had occasion. At this time, 
in the winter they had no other way, as it was not 
until many years after that that a route was estab- 
lished on the west side. 

In 1815 and 1820 Marlborough letters were adver- 
tised at the Kingston post-office, to be called for, and 
were perhaps so advertised for some years previous. 
To show the great want of postal facilities, the fol- 
lowing extracts are taken from a paper called the 
Ulster Plebeian of March 28, 1815. It will also show 
how hard the printer had to work for a little money: 



Facts and Incidents. 265 

For various imperious reasons, we have concluded to stop 
the circulation of the Plebeian, after the present week, through 
the towns of Hurley, Marbletown, Eochester. "Wawarsing, 
Mamakating, Shawangunk, Plattekill, Marlborough, New 
Paltz and Esopus, by a Post rider employed as heretofore at 
the expense of this office. As we wish the papers to be read 
throughout our own County, and also in Sullivan, especially 
as long as the two Counties are identified in interest in the 
elective franchise, we take the liberty to recommend to our 
Patrons in those places to form clubs where practicable, to 
procure the papers either from the office or the nearest Post- 
office. The greatest number of papers we circulate on the 
above mentioned route, are between this village and William 
Sypher's in AYawarsing; a distance of about thirty miles; in 
the whole of which extent there is no Post Office. Mr. Snyder 
lives about twelve miles from the Post office in Bloomingburgh 
Sullivan County. We therefore presume that a number of our 
Patrons south of Mr. Sypher's and in Sullivan may conveniently 
get the papers at that office. He states in his notice that 
Shawangunk and New Paltz had Post-offices, and that Esopus 
had formed a club to get the papers from the newspaper office. 
He is worried that he does not know how to accommodate 
Plattekill and ]\Iiarlborough which he says have no Post-offices. 
Continuing his notice, he says : The fact is we have paid at 
the rate of $182 per annum for carrying 175 Plebeians on that 
route, when better than two thirds of those papers were left 
between this and Mr. Sypher's, from whence our Post has 
usually gone to Bloomingi)urgh, Shawangunk, Plattekill, Marl- 
borough, New Paltz and Esopus an extent of 120 miles taking 
four days to perform the tour. We are constrained to declare 
that we cannot afford the incidental expenses of that post 
rider. * * * 

(Signed) JOHN TAPPEN. 

His statement appears very reasonable. The sub- 
scription price of bis paper was two dollars a year, 
and he was paying out more than one-half of what he 
received in distributing the paper. But it was quite 
an event when the post rider arrived with the papers. 
The people along the route were expecting him, and 
turned out to meet him. He was always welcome at 
the farm houses, and himself and horse were taken 



266 HiSTOEY OF Marlborough. 

care of free of charge. He was treated more like a 
visitor; Ire not only left the paper at the houses, but he 
rehearsed to them all the news that he had heard on 
the journey. At the same time, he picked up such 
items of interest as came to his notice to be included in 
the next issue of the paper. It must have been a 
long and tedious journey through the snows and 
storms of winter, but people expected such things 
then, and it was taken as a matter of course. 

The Ulster Gazette commenced publication at King- 
ston in 1798. Samuel Freer and liis son published 
the paper. Freer used to deliver his paper in the 
same way as the Plebeian did. When I was a small 
child I heard my grandfather tell of it. In the year 
1800, when General Washington died, the paper came 
out in deep mourning for him, and as Freer delivered 
his paper along the route, it produced much consterna- 
tion and sorrow among all the people. My grand- 
father always saved his copy of the paper and it is 
still preserved in the family. Freer used to get his 
paper ready, printing, etc., during the forepart of the 
week, and on Thursday morning of each week, he 
would till his saddlebags with the Gazette for dis- 
tribution to the subscribers. And Uncle Sam, as he 
was called, would mount his steed and start out to 
spend the rest of the week through Ulster, Orange and 
Sullivan counties. He was a strong Federalist, and 
at the stores and blacksmith shops and other public 
places along the way, and at the family firesides, he 
would preach his political doctrines, try to make con- 
verts, and carry on heated arguments with his political 
opponents. 

The recent sale of the Young farm of about 300 
acres with some personal property for $31,500, which 
is now considered a good sale, is surpassed by the 
sale of Charles Brown to Benjamin Harcourt in 1828 
in Lattintown. The place consisted of 407 acres and 



Facts and Incidents. 267 



sold for $10,000. Ten thousand dollars then repre- 
sented more than $30,000 does now. 

John W. Wygant sold to William D, Wygant the 
Bloomer farm, Lattintown, in 1831, for $4,000 — 79 
acres. In 1838 Wygant sold the same place to Thomas 
D.' Bloomer for $6,000, showing a large increase in 
valne, and a very high price for land, and in com- 
paring with present values of money, the place at that 
rate should be worth $12,000 or $15,000 now. 

In 1808 William B. Woolsey sold 116 acres of land, 
which is now owned by Fred W. Vail, to Latting 
Caverly for $3,750. Numerous other sales might be 
mentioned, showing that land in those times was sell- 
ing very high; in fact, far in excess, value of money 
being considered, of what land is sold for now. Land, 
to be sure, was then used only for the raising of or- 
dinary farm crops, horses, cattle, etc. 

From the earliest liistory of the town the only com- 
munication between here and New York city was by 
sailing vessels; the principal i^art of the vessel was 
used for freight, and the cabin and stern were fitted 
up with a number of berths to accommodate passen- 
gers. They carried from ten to thirty passengers, 
and it was a voyage of generally two or three days, 
and as many nights. Those wishing to take the trip 
sought to have a congenial company with them, and 
they played games and had a good time. When the 
sloop anchored on account of adverse winds or other- 
wise th-e passengers would land and gather berries 
and fruit, and wander about the woods and villages. 
When the captain was ready to proceed on the voyage, 
he summoned them by blowing a horn. Those who 
wished could board at the captain's table by paying 
for their meals, but it was the custom to take along 
a large wooden trunk filled with cooked victuals and 
luxuries of the times, and a supply of rum or Holland 
gin was seldom forgotten. They all planned to have 



268 History of Marlborough. 

a good time and it was quite an event, as people 
s-eldom had more than one trip during the year. It 
was considered in the nature of an outing or what we 
would call such now. On the return trip the chest 
was used to bring back the purchases. These sloops 
would stop anywhere along the river on signal aild 
take on passengers. You could hail one almost any 
time of the day, as they were quite numerous. They 
continued to carry more or less passengers up to 
1820, or until after the fare on the steamboats became 
moderate. 



The Maid of Marlboro'. 

By Samuel A. Barrett. 
" Perfection whispered, passing by. 

Behold the lass of Ballocliniyle.'' — Burns. 

I saw thee once — and never 

Can I forget thy form; 
'Twas lovely as the sunbeam 

That flashes thro' a storm ! 

And, thro' their silken lashes. 

Those soul-lit eyes of thine, 
Shone brighter than twin-diamonds 

From India's famous mine. 

Thy hair, in raven streamers, 

Flow'd o'er a neck of snow, 
As conscious of its beauty — 

Fair Maid of Marlboro'. 

I saw thee when the sunlight 

Was fading in the sky. 
And thou wert standing lonely, 

The lovely Hudson by. 

'Twas beautiful around thee, 

Above thee and below; 
But thou hadst more of beaut}', 

Fair Maid of Marlboro'. 




Smith's Falls. 



The Maid of M.ielboro', 269 

And in that mighty mirror, 

Which lay like molten gold, 
Thou could'st have seen reflected 

Thy form of matchless monld. 

The birds ancar thee singing, 

The waters, mnrm'ring low, 
Seem'd making music for thee. 

Fair Maid of Marlboro'. 

And thon. in silence standing 

Upon that lonely strand, 
Hadst seem'd to poet's vision, 

The Queen of Fairy Land — 

Save that, in beauteous blushes, 

The rose of earth was seen; 
And thy voluptuous bosom 

Beat, 'neath its silken screen. 

Oft when at evening straying 

Along that lonely shore, 
I gaze where once I saw thee, 

But see thee there no more. 

Lost Pleiad of my fancy ! 

None e'er can fill thy place: 
Earth holds no being like thee. 

In soul, and form, and face. 

And yet. thy peerless beauty 

May prove a ban to thee ! 
Beware man's siren speeches. 

And man's inconstancy ! 

And may the years, revolving. 

Bring naught to thee of woe : 
Earth's blessings all be with thee, 

Fair Maid of Marlboro' ! 

Among the men of special prominence wbicli tlio 
Town of Marlborough produced, or who were identi- 
fied with the interests of the town, we mention the 
following: 



270 History of Marlborough. 

Ebenezer Foot, Member of Assembly, 1792, 1794, 
1796, 1797. 

Ebenezer Foot, Senator, 1798-1802, inclusive, and 
also one of the State Council of Appointment, 1804. 

Selah Tuthill, Member of Assembly, 1804. 

William Soper, one of the Judges of the Court of 
Common Pleas, 1810-1813 and afterward. 

Nehemiali L. Smith, Member of Assembly, 1811. 

David Staples, Member of Ass-embly, 1814, 1818, 
and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas 
for several years. 

Richard I. Woolsey, Associate Justice of the Court 
of Common Pleas, 1817. 

Abram D. Soper, Member of Assembly, 1829. Also 
County Judge from 1828 to 1836. 

William Soper, Member of Assembly, 1843. 

L. Harrison Smith, Member of Assembly, 1853. 

Jeremiah Clark, Member of Assembly, 1860. 

C. M. Woolsey, Member of Assembly, 1871, 1872, 
and Justice of Sessions, 1866, 1867. 

E. F. Patten, Member of Assembly, 1881. 

Sands Haviland, Member of Assembly, 1901. 

Benjamin Harcourt, Sheriff, 1832. 

Samuel Stilwell, Associate Justice of Ulster County 
Court for two terms of five years each. 



Hallock's Ponds and Other Ponds and Lakes op the 

Town. 

There is a chain of five ponds at Milton, each con- 
taining several acres ; one on the east side of the post 
road, and four on the west side, at the Hallock mills. 
These are beautiful sheets of water and furnish power 
to several mills; their capacity can easily be doubled, 
in fact there can be a continuous line of ponds for 
two or three miles. These ponds are noted for their 



Hallock's Ponds and Lakes. 271 

iine fishing, and peoj^le come long distances to fish, in 
them ; they are especially valued for their black bass. 
The ponds ar-e fed by many springs and the waters 
are particularly clear and pure. 

The surrounding lands afford much natural beauty. 
They are mostly rugged and rocky hills covered with 
beautiful forests, and their convenience to the depot 
and steamboat landings make them desirable as 
places of residence and country seats and hotels. If 
this section were generally known to the city people, 
it would become a great center of attraction. No 
more beautiful landscape and surroundings can be 
found anywhere along the Hudson. 

Some of these ponds are very ancient; the George 
Hallock pond and also the pond at the south and the 
west of long pond were in existence prior to the Revo- 
lution, and there was a grist and sawmill at each 
where neighbors congregated and discussed politics 
and the events of the day. 

About the year 1850 Charles Brower and Lee 
Ensign started a brickyard at the river where the 
Milton depot is now, and afterward Joseph Hallock 
took Brower 's place. They obtained their clay from 
the bottom of the George Hallock pond. They 
drained out that part of the pond by means of pipes 
under the ground and drew their clay from the pond 
past what is now the Robert Hallock Mill and down 
the Hallock road to the river. They manufactured a 
good quality of brick, but the expense of procuring 
their sand made the venture a failure. The clay in 
time will find ready purchasers. 

The close proximity of these ponds to the village 
has always made them a great resort for the young 
people to skate, and they afford ice for all the sur- 
rounding country. The Long Pond is situated at such 
an elevation as to supply the village with water, if 
water works were erected. The stream uniting all 



272 History of Marlborough. 

these ponds was known in old times as the Hallock 
brook, and along this stream many Indian relics, snch 
as stone clubs or pestles, stone hatchets and flint 
arrowheads have been found, especially in the swamp 
and Wood of C. M. Woolsey, who has a collection of 
the same. 

There is also a small lake or natural pond back of 
Lattintown on the mountain, known as the Connor 
pond. It is well stocked with fish, and is so situated 
that it can be used to irrigate the valley below. The 
view from this place extends over the whole of Lattin- 
town valley, and far to the south. It is one of the 
finest views in the whole town — an elegant place for 
a club or boarding-house and for fishing and hunting. 

Three miles back of Milton is Mackey's small lake 
or natural pond; a nice sheet of water always of the 
same level. There was a sawmill at the mouth of it 
in ancient times. 

On the Old Man's Kill at Marlborough is the 
Wright, Graves, and the Clark, now Gaede, ponds. 
These have been built many years and have supplied 
water for many mills at different times. There was 
a mill about 1750 at the Clark pond, and there was a 
mill there always until recent years. This was quite 
an important center, and people came long distances 
to have work done. Purdy also had a tavern and 
some of the first town meetings were held here, and 
during the war it was a center for the people to con- 
gregate and get the news. Joseph Graves for many 
years had an extensive dye works at his place, and 
Jerry Clark, Ijelow him, a sawmill. The pond now 
known as the Wright Pond supplied the water for the 
early mills of that part of the town. Lewis DuBois 
had a grist and fulling mill there, and afterward 
were many mills, among them Woolsey Wright's, who 
carried on milling for years. These ponds are along 
the Old Man's Kill, the longest stream in the town, 
and its course is such that by a series of dams water 



List of Supervisors. 273 

can be held back for several miles and a never-fail- 
ing supply obtained, making the facilities for factories 
and milling unexcelled. It is a charming country 
about these ponds and streams and its nearness to 
river and railroad makes it a place of much attrac- 
tion for residences, boarding-houses, etc. 

On Jew's creek there were formerly several ponds, 
but they have now mostly disappeared. The Buckley 
pond was a noted place in its day and the Buckleys 
carried on an extensive business making cloth for 
years, yet the stream is still susceptible of much 
water power, and the water can be easily stored. The 
lands along the stream are very pretty and romantic 
and desirable factory sites and places of residence 
can be obtained. Before Gomez the Jew owned lands 
here the stream was called the south branch of the 
Old Man's Kill. 

The Patchen lake in the southwest part of the town 
is the largest body of water; it covers several acres, 
and it can be enlarged. It is well stocked with fish. 



List of Supervisors. 

The list of supervisors and town officers of the old 
precinct of Highland, of which this town was a part, 
cannot be found. In 1763 the precinct of Newburgh 
was formed, of which we were a part, and we re- 
mained in that condition until 1772, when we were 
separated from Newburgh. The supervisors during 
that tim-e were as follows : 

In 1763, Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck; 1764, Lewis 
DuBois; 1765, John Wandal; 1766, Benjamin Carpen- 
ter; 1767, Lewis DuBois; 1768, Edward Hallock; 1769, 
'70 and '71 , Latting Carpenter. 

Commencing at 1772, as the precinct of New Marl- 
borough the supervisors were as follows: 



274 History of Maelborough. 

In 1772-1773, Lewis DuBois (3 years missing, but 
are supposed to be Lewis DuBois and Benjamin Car- 
penter) ; 1777, Benjamin Carpenter; 1778, 1779, Elijah 
Lewis; 1780, Anning Smith; 1781, Lewis DuBois; 1782, 
Stephen Case; 1783-1789, Anning Smith; 1790-1794, 
Ebenezer Foote; 1795-1797, Stephen Nottingham; 
1798-1799, CorneUus Drake; 1800-1811, Benjamin 
Ely; 1812-1816, Nehemiah L. Smith; 1817, David 
Staples; 1818-1819, Eichard I. "Woolsey; 1820-1822, 
William Soper; 1823, Benjamin Townsend; 1824, 
William Soper; 1825, William Gedney; 1826-1829, 
Benjamin Harcourt; 1830, Jesse T. Conklin; 1831, 
Benjamin Harcourt; 1832-1833, Abraham B. Soper; 
1834-1835, William D. Wygant; 1836-1837, Miles J. 
Fletcher; 1838, William Soper; 1839, William Soper, 
Jr.; 1840, Lewis W. Young; 1841-1842, Robert S. 
Lockwood; 1843, David Fowler; 1844-1845, William 
Martin; 1846, John D; Crook; 1847, Cornelius Carpen- 
ter; 1848, John D. Crook; 1849-1850, Lee Ensign; 
1851, John D. Crook; 1852-1853, William H. Gedney; 
1854, James C Harcourt; 1855, William H. Gedney; 
1856, Thomas D. Bloomer; 1857, William H. Gedney; 
1858, David W. Woolsey; 1859-1861, William B. Pier- 
son; 1862, Jesse Lj^ons; 1863, James C Harcourt; 
1864-1871, Jesse Lyons; 1872-1873, William Bloomer; 
1874, William H. Gedney; 1875, William Bloomer; 
1876, Townsend H. Sherman; 1877, Eugene F. Pat- 
ten; 1878, Townsend H. Sherman; 1879, Eugen-e F. 
Patten; 1880-1881, James C Harcourt; 1882-1884, 
C. Meech Woolsey; 1885, Samuel L. Quimby; 1886- 
1890, C Meech Woolsey; 1891, Townsend Sherman; 
1892, William S. Ransley; 1893-1897, Eugene F. Pat- 
ten; 1898-1899, Sands Haviland; 1900-1901, William 
Bloomer; 1902-1903, Eldorus Dayton; 1904-1905, 
Eugene F. Patten; 1906-1909, Edward Young. In 
1831 Harcourt was elected Sheriff. He resigned as 



Town Cleeks. 275 



Supervisor, and at a si3ecial town meeting Robert S. 
Jjockwood was chosen to succeed liini. 



Town Clerks. 

1763-1765, Samuel Sands; 1766, Joseph Sands; 
1767-1771, Leonard Smith; 1772-1776, Abijah Per- 
kins; 1777, Benjamin Carpenter; 1778-1783, Stephen 
Case; 1781-1790, Benjamin Ely; 1791-1792, Benjamin 
Townsend; 1793-1794, David Merritt; 1795-1797, 
John Duffield; 1798, Samuel Drake; 1799-1809, Ben- 
jamin Townsend; 1810, John Caverly; 1811-1822, Ben- 
jamin Townsend; 1823, Charles braft; 182-1-1829, 
Lewis Wygant; 1830-1833, William D. "Wygant; 1831, 
Benjamin Townsend; 1835, David W. Woolsey; 1836, 
Josiah Lockwood; 1837, John Woolsey; 1838, Marcue 
Dougherty; 1839, James C. Hareourt; 1840, Hezekiah 
Hull; 1841-1842, Asa T. Wright; 1843, Richard Gee; 
1844-1845, Robert P. Mapes; 1846-1847, Richard Gee; 
1848, Jeremiah Thome; 1849, Henry H. Holden; 1850, 
Fletcher DuBois; 1851, David Sands, Jr.; 1852-1853, 
Henry Merritt ; 1854, Jacob Rawley, Jr. ; 1855, Harvey 
Wygant; 1856, James A. Townsend; 1857, Eugene 
Dubois; 1858-1859, Joseph M. Bloom; 1860, Theodore 
Quick; 1861, Epenetus K. Woolsey; 1862, Joseph M. 
Bloom; 1863, James C. Craft; 1864, Robert J. Dickey; 
1865, James Crook ; 1866, John B. Quick ; 1867, James 
H. Crook; 1868, Ethan Parrott; 1869, Dallas DuBois; 
1870-1871, James H. Crook; 1872-1873, Robert B. 
Kelley; 1874-1875, J. Wesley Williams; 1876-1878, 
M. W. V. Morgan; 1879, Fred H. Smith; 1880, James 
S. Carpenter; 1881, Harrison Baxter; 1882-1883, Ed- 
ward Anderson; 1881^1891, Charles W. Jackson; 
1892, George Badner; 1893-1895, J. R. Woolsey; 
1896-1900, Elmer E. Berean; 1901-1907, A. J. Booth; 
1908-1909, Elbert Warren. In 1831 no one was 
elected Town Clerk, but William D. Wygant, the clerk 
of the year previous, held over. 



276 History of Marlborough. 



Justices of the Peace. 

Pre\aoiis to 1830 Justices of the Peace were ap- 
pointed by the governors or by the council of appoint- 
ment, and after 1830 they are as follows: 

3830, Gabriel Merritt; 1831, Samuel Beebe; 1832, 
David W. Woolsey; 1833, Abraham D. Soper; 1834, 
Gabriel Merritt; 1835, James Fowler, Jr., William 
Soper Jr.; 1836, David W. Woolsey; 1837, William 
Soper; 1838, Gabriel Merritt; 1839, James Fowler; 
1840, Josiah ^Y. Carpenter; 1841, William Soper; 
1842, David W. Woolsey; 1843, James Fowler; 1844, 
Asa T. Wright; 1845, Charles L. Lockwood; 1846, 
Isaac Staples; 1847, AVilliam Martin; 1848, Asa T. 
Wright, James Fowler. Gilbert F. Malcolm; 1849, 
James Fowler; 1850, Isaac Staples, Daniel Lewis; 
1851, William Soper; 1852, Thomas Bingham, Daniel 
L-ewis; 1853, John Woolsey, Edward Near; 1854, 
Isaac Staples, Jr. ; 1855, Edward Near ; 1856, Thomas 
Bingham ; 1857, John F. Wliitney, Isaac Staples, Fred- 
erick S. Webster; 1859, John B. Ball; 1860, Thomas 
Bingham, Walter Farrington; 1861, Edward Near; 
1862, Isaac Staples; 1863, Frederick S. Webster; 1864, 
Charles G. Merritt; 1865, Samuel A. Barrett; 1866, 
Eli T. Lockwood, C. Meech Woolsey, Charles F. 
Willard; 1867, Edgar W. Clark; 1868," David Sands; 
1869, C. Meech Woolsey; 1870, James S. Knapp, 
Samuel A. Barrett; 1871, A. J. M. Smith; 1872, Enoch 
Baxter, E. Melville Craft; 1873, C. Meech Wool- 
sey; 1874, Oscar B. Bloomer; 1875, E. M. Craft; 
1876, Henry Merritt; 1877, C. Meech Woolsey; 1879, 
E. Melville Craft; 1880, Enoch Baxter; 1881, C. M. 
Woolsey; 1882, William J. Purdy; 1883, C. Sylvester 
Northrip; 1884, Enoch Baxter; 1885, Williain S. Rans- 
ley; 1886, Albert H. Palmer; 1887, Albert Pattison; 
1888, E. Dayton; 1889, C. G. Mackey ; 1890, John Eusk, 
Jr.; 1891, Fred H. Smith; 1892, Clarence Bingham; 



Justices of the Peace. 277 



1893, C. S. Northrip; 1894, John Eusk, Jr.; 1895, Fred 
H. Smith; 1896, CLarence Bingham; 1897, C. S. North- 
rip ; 1898, John Rusk, Jr. ; 1899, Charles Purdy, Fred 
H, Smith; 1901, John linsk, Jr., Joseph J. Kaley; 
1903, Charles Purdy, Fred H. Smith; 1905, J. J. Kaley, 
John B. Ball ; 1905, John Rusk, resigned, and Charles 
Baiklon appointed ; 1907, George Young, Charles P. 
Thorne. 

In ancient times, under the Crown, and afterward 
under the State government, the Governor or coun- 
cil of appointment or both selected or appointed the 
Justices of the Peace up to the year 1830. The old 
commissions of appointment were very lengthy docu- 
ments, and not only appointed the justice to the office 
but gave him a long charge and statement of instiiic- 
tions of what he was required to do. They are quite 
a curiosity in their way, and the following is a brief 
extract of one of such commissions issued in 1795 : 

Know ye That we have appointed and assigned: and by 
these presents do appoint and assign, j-ou and every one of yon 
jointly and severally Justices to keep the peace of our county 
■of Ulster and to keep and cause to be kept, all laws and ordi- 
nances made or to be made, for tlie good of the peace, and for 
the conservation of the same, and for the quiet rule and govern- 
ment of the citizens and inhabitants of our said state, in all 
and every the Articles thereof in our said county * * * 
and to chastise and punish all persons offending against the 
form of those laws, ordinances * * * and to cause to come 
before you all those persons who shall break the peace or have 
used or shall use threats to any one * * * concerning their 
bodies or the firing of their houses or barns to find sufficient 
surety for the peace or their good behavior * * * and also 
of all those who in the said county have gone or rode or here- 
after presume to go or ride in companies with anned force 
against the peace, * * * and also all of those who have 
therein lain in wait, or hereafter shall presume to lie in wait 
to maim or cut or kill any citizen or inhal)itant of our said 
state * * * gj^^^i |-Q ijp.^j. rjnd determine all and singular the 
larcenies, thefts, trespasses, forestallings, regrettings, angross- 
ings, extortions, unlawful assemblies, indibtments aforesaid, 



278 History of Marlborough. 

all and singular other the premises, according to the laws, ordi- 
nances and statutes of our said state * * * dilligently to^ 
attend to keeping of the peace, laws and ordinances. 

For all and singular which this shall be your commission 
for and during our good pleasure to be signified by our Coun- 
cil of Appointment. 

The great seal of our state to be hereto affixed. 

JOHAT JAY, 

Governor. 

It lias been discovered that by an Act of the Legis- 
lature passed in 1827, pursuant to an amendment of 
the Constitution, by which act it was provided " That 
it shall be the duty of the said inspectors to prepare 
one box for receiving the ballots of such persons as 
shall vote for justices of the peace, and the election 
of justices of the peace shall be conducted, and the 
said box kept locked and disposed of, in all respects, 
as directed in relation to the elections of members of 
assembly." And it was further provided, '' That the 
supervisor give notice in writing to the several jus- 
tices elected in their town and also to the town clerk 
of tlie time and place to determine by lot the classes 
of the said justices, * * * and at such time and 
place, it shall be the duty of the said supervisor and 
town clerk to write on several and distinct pieces of 
paper as near alike as may be, the number one, two, 
three, four; which papers shall be privately rolled, 
and put into a box, and drawn for by said justices^ 
and that each justice shall class according to the num- 
ber upon the paper by him so drawn." Under this 
law at the election held on the 5th day of November, 
1827, and the two succeeding days inclusive, Abram 
D. Soper, Benjamin Harcourt, Benjamin Townsend, 
and Eli T. Lockwood were elected. They drew for their 
terms, Benjamin Harcourt drew for one year; Soper 
for two; Lockwood for three; and Townsend for four. 
At the election for 1828, Harcourt was re-elected; at 
the election of 1829 Soper was re-elected. After this 



Lawyers. 279 

it was provided by law that one be elected each year 
on the regular town ticket the same as all the other 
officers were. 

I also find the following names of Justices of the 
Peace who w-ere appointed prior to 1800: Benjamin 
Carpenter, Wolvert Ecker, Anning Smith, Nathaniel 
DuBois, Eheuben Drake, David Ostrander, Stephen 
Nottingham, Samuel Morey, Cornelius Drake, John 
DuBois, Uriah Drake, Jonathan Brown, Joseph 
Morey, David Staples, Benjamin Sands, Jr., Dr. Ben- 
jamin Ely, Benjamin Townsend. 

Between 1800 and 1830 : Richard I. Woolsey, David 
Staples, Nehemiah L. Smith, Benjamin Harcourt, 
William Soper, Samuel Drake, Allen Lester, Charles 
Millard, Andrew Ely, John Rhoads, John Hait, 
Valentine Lewis, John Noys, Benjamin Townsend, 
Abram D. Soper, Ely T. Lockwood. 



Lawyers. 

The first lawyer, that I can find, who resided here, 
was William W. Borgordus. He came here about 1817 
and practiced a few 3^ears. John Cole was next ; he 
practiced law and carried on other business about 
1820, afterward removing to Modena, where he be- 
came an extensive land owner. He was a man of much 
ability. There was a tradition that he was related to 
Aaron Burr. He left quite a large fortune, — some- 
thing unusual for lawyers. A lawyer by the name of 
Pierce practiced here for some time. Abram D. Soper 
commenced practice about 1825; he was the first 
postmaster at Milton in 1822, Supervisor in 1832 and 
] 833, and later Member of Assembly and County Judge. 
He practiced here until about 1845, when he removed 
to Brooklyn, and from there to West Virginia, where 
he died a few years since, — over 90 years ago. He 



280 History of Marlborough, 



did an extensive business, including conveyancing for 
the southern part of the county. The old papers 
which we find executed by him are models of practice, 
and the penmanship is excellent. His brother William 
was also a lawyer here. He was Supervisor in 1839 
and afterward a Member of Assembly, He practiced 
several years and then moved to Wisconsin, Isaac 
L, Craft commenced practice about 1835 and prac- 
ticed until his death in 1855. Hewitt and Walter Far- 
rington came here about that time and remained a few 
years, C. M, Woolsey commenced practice in 1867, 
and he with E. Dayton, John B, Ball and John Rusk 
are jDracticing here now, John Kusk, Sr, commenced 
liis practice at Marlborough about 1870; he died in 
1905. Morgan A, Dayton and Judsou C. Dayton prac- 
ticed here a short time. Morgan Dayton was after- 
ward clerk of the Surrogate's Court in New York 
city; both were talented but died young. 



Doctors. 

The first physician I find who practiced in this town 
was Dr. Abijah Perkins, He was here several years 
before the Revolutionary War, and was a prominent 
member of the Committee of Safety at the commence- 
ment of the war. He died in November, 1776, at 
the age of 60, He was a man of much prominence, 
I find his name in many ancient papers, Dr, Seth 
Perkins was also practicing here in 1774, The next 
is Dr. Benjamin Ely, He commenced practice before 
Perkins died and continued until about 1820, Dr. Ely 
was a surveyor and surveyed much of the land through 
this part of the county. He was Town Clerk from 1784 
to 1791, Supervisor from 1800 to 1812; also Commis- 
sioner of Highways, and for several years Justice of 
the Peace. Dr. Elv was the most prominent man in 



Doctors. 281 

the town in liis time. Dr. Cornelius Eoosa practiced 
here previous to 1814, when he died. Dr. David Lynch 
died here in 1822. I cannot find how long they were 
liere — perhaps but for a few years, as I very seldom 
find their names. Dr. Fowler practiced sometime 
after this. Dr. Marcus Dougherty and Dr. Nathan- 
iel Deyo practiced here between 1830 and 1840. Dr. 
James S. Knapp, a native of Orange county, was born 
May 17, 1824. He pursued the study of medicine 
under Dr. Houghton of St. Andrews, afterward grad- 
uating and receiving his diploma from the medical 
college of Castleton, Vermont, one of the oldest insti- 
tutions of the kind in this country. He commenced 
the practice of the profession in 1846, in the village of 
Milton, and some six years thereafter removed to the 
village of Marlborough, where he soon attained a high 
position as a physician. He died September 23, 1879, 
after a continuous practice in this town of more than 
thirty-three years. He was dignified in deportment 
and of a hospitable and sociable disposition. He had 
many friends, and he will long be remembered by the 
people of the community in which he lived. Dr. Fen- 
ton practiced several years before Dr. Knapp. Dr. 
William Gedney commenced practice here in 1817 and 
continued until his death in 1849 ; he was Supervisor 
in 1825. He was of a genial and happy disposition, 
very friendly with all and very fond of visiting among 
his neighbors. When called to visit a patient, he 
would drive up in front of the house, throw down his 
reins and the horse would pasture up and down the 
road at his leisure; he generally remained with the 
patient or at the house visiting until he was called to 
go somewhere else. If night overtook him, his horse 
would be put in the barn and he would put up for the 
night. He never appeared to trouble himself much 
about his pay ; seldom sent in a bill ; he lived economi- 
cally and his wants were few. When he died all his 



282 History of Marlborough. 

patients and neighbors felt as if they had lost a good 
friend. It was said of him, that he joined the Free 
Masons, but he appeared to consider it more of a joke 
tlian anything, and he had so much to say about them, 
and laughed so much over them, that finally one morn- 
ing he found a note under his door, and its contents 
must have been quite startling, for he was never heard 
to say another word about the Free Masons. He was 
succeeded in practice by his son. Dr. William H. Ged- 
ney, and it is hardly necessary for me to say anything 
about him, as his memory is fresh with all the people 
of this and adjoining towns. He represented the town 
in the board of supervisors many years, took an active 
part in church work, and was considered a practi- 
tioner of much ability. He died in 1896, leaving no 
family. 

Many of the older people will remember Dr. William 
B. Pierson; genial, whole-souled and clever man, liis 
presence did his patients more good than his medi- 
cine. He made friends readily; the people all ap- 
peared to like him. He was a Democrat in politics, 
and was Supervisor from 1859 to 1862. Soon after he 
came here he opened a drug store at Milton. There 
was quite a contest always between him and Dr. Ged- 
ney in practice and in politics. He removed to Groshen 
in 1862 or 1863 and went from there to Brooklyn, 
where I think he is still living at an advanced age. 

Dr. Theodoi'e Quick came to Milton about the same 
time that Dr. Pierson did. Milton was well blessed 
with doctors then, as it had three in full practice, and 
they traveled for miles in every direction, and all ap- 
peared to do good and enjoy prosperous business. 
Dr. Quick was of a very social disposition and had 
many friends. He afterward removed to New York 
city, where he died a few years since. 

After these Dr. Solomon Hasbrouck practiced here 
several years and to the time of his death. C. V. 



The Once Famous Antweep Raspberry. 283 

Hasbrouck followed, but after a. few years he removed 
to Rosendale, where he now lives. 

Dr. Edward W. Carhart came after Hasbrouck. He 
was postmaster here for a while, also one of the 
coroners of the county, and took quite an active part 
in politics. He removed to Brooklyn, where he has 
a large and lucrative practice. He not only was a phy- 
sician to his patients, but he also nursed them, and 
people all over this town speak of his kindness to them 
in sickness, and there were many regrets expressed 
when he went away. 

Drs. A. H. Palmer and David Mosher at Marlbor- 
ough and Dr. J. Freston at Milton are practicing at 
present. They are all physicians of many years' ex- 
perience, eminent in their profession, with a large 
and increasing practice. 



The Once Famous Antwerp Raspberry. 

The older people will well remember this berry, its 
productiveness and tli'e large price the fruit com- 
manded. It started or was the commencement of 
fruit raising in the town, and its introduction was 
most peculiar. The first Antwerp plants were obtained 
in a singular way. A friend of Edward Young, who 
kept a shop in Poughkeepsie about 1834, one day ob- 
served a package on his counter, which he was satis- 
fied had been left by a stranger who had visited the 
shop a short time previously. He laid the package 
aside for several days when, it not being called for, 
lie opened it, found some young raspberry plants and 
set them out. They yielded such splendid fruit that 
he sent for his friend Edward Young, and invited him 
to take some and raise them. This was in the fall of 
1835. The plants were taken home by Young and 
propagated, much attention being devoted to their 



284 History of Marlborough. 

culture. He raised them first near Lattintown. They 
proved very prolific, and far ah-ead in quality of any 
other variety. He was laughed at for trying to sell 
them in New York city, but time afterward showed 
his foresight and wisdom. Mr. Young was born in 
1775 and died in 1854. 

Others claimed to have propagated this berry be- 
fore Edward Young, but this is not proven, and to 
him belongs the credit of being the first to market 
this remarkable berry, and pave the way for the ship- 
ment of fruit of all kinds to New York city. 

In the spring of 1837 plants of this berry were 
brought here from New Eochelle, Westchester county, 
by Thomas H. Burling, and planted in the garden of 
his son-in-law, Nathaniel Hallock, and grown for 
family use for several years. But to the Youngs the 
growers were largely indebted for demonstrating the 
profit to be derived from the sale of this berry and 
other small fruits. The plants at first were strong 
and hardy, and grew in great abundance, producing 
large crops of the richest fruit. It required to be 
covered in the winter, and well fertilized and culti- 
vated; though most everyone cultivated small patches, 
there were a few who had large acreage. It was the 
best and most prosperous berry ever raised here. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Ancient Customs and Habits. 

A liimdred years ago or more there were at least a 
^ozen blacksmith shops in the town — more than 
double what is there now. They were not only at the 
villages, but also at the principal crossroads. The 
blacksmith was also a wagonmaker or had an assist- 
ant to do that work. They made all the wagons for 
the people and ironed them at the same shop. All 
Idnds of iron work was done by the blacksmith then; 
he not only did what work is done now, but he made 
horseshoes, the nails to put them on, and other kinds 
of nails, the crowbars and hammers, and all such ; also 
edge tools, as knives and carpenter's tools. All old 
files and choice bits of steel were saved up for that 
purpose. Old horseshoes and nails were saved up 
.and sent to the gun shop. Their class of work re- 
quired great skill and they could do many things that 
' are not generally taught in the trade now. All the 
old pieces of iron and steel saved up by the farmers 
were taken to the shop and made over into new articles 
for use. The blacksmith made everything in the line 
of hardware that entered into the construction of a 
house ; he made the hinges and lock and fastenings for 
doors, etc. In fact, almost every conceivable piece of 
iron work required about the farm was mad-e by the 
blacksmith. He was a great man in his way, and a 
skilled mechanic. The shop in those days was quite 
a resort for the neighbors, and quite a place to dis- 
cuss politics and news of the day. 

The people raised flax and from it spun and made 
their own clothes in the families". This was mostly 
done by the women folks ; they all wore linen dresses 
which they made themselves, and the men's clothing 



286 History of Marlborough. 

was also made from the flax. It was considered a 
luxury for the girls to have one calico dress, wliicli 
then cost more than silk does now. At that time silk 
was almost unknown. For the woolen clothes, the 
sheep were raised on the farms; their wool taken to 
the mill and generally made into cloth on shares, the 
cloth taken home and there made into clothes for 
all the family. There were women who made a 
specialty of this class of work, who would go from 
house to hous-e and remain weeks at a time, and make 
up clothes for the men as well as the women of the 
family. People did not buy $100 suits then. 

When cattle were killed the hides were taken to the 
tanner and tanned on shares, or he would make it up 
into boots or shoes on shares. Some shoemakers 
would bring their tools to the. house and make the 
leather goods up in the family. 

The butter and cheese which the farmers made, and 
the grain, etc., which they raised were traded with 
the storekeeper for his goods, and he in turn shipped 
the same by sloop to New York city. In fact almost 
everything was raised, produced and made at home. 
Very little money went abroad, and very few things 
were purchased out of the place. If a person wanted 
to go to New York city to trade, he went down on a 
sloop which made but one trip a week, mostly but one 
trip in two weeks. 

The people lived mostly within themselves; they 
raised lots of things and had abundance, and lived 
well on what they raised ; and things which they could 
not raise, they generally went without. Very little was 
brought from across the seas to tempt their appetite. 
Apple orchards were plenty; all laid in lots of apples 
and cider, and often something stronger, and the 
'' stronger " was also made up from apples on shares. 
The neighbors visited together evenings and enjoyed 
the apples and the rest, smoked their pipes and were 



Ancient Customs and Habits. 287 



very sociable. The farmers had plenty of such as they 
raised, and everyone was welcome to a meal or lodg- 
ing. - No one thought of charging for such matters, 
with cider, -etc. thrown in. 

The houses had big fireplaces from which the rooms 
were warmed, and over which the food was cooked. 
A big black log was always in place. The houses be- 
came cold in the long winter nights and the people 
hungry; and it was the custom for the family to get 
up in the middle of the night, throw more wood on the 
fire, and sit around it and have a lunch, and then 
after a while go back to bed. 

The churches had no fire in them in the winter; the 
people carried small foot stoves, which were iron pans 
or boxes filled with hot coals, with them to church. 
The meetings lasted all day; lunch was taken along 
to eat at noon, and during the intermission the people 
visited together and had a good time. 

The school teachers boarded around among the 
people of the district who sent children to school. 
They boarded for a length of time in proportion to 
the number of children which the respective families 
sent to school. In some families the teacher would 
stay but a few days, in others much longer. In some 
houses it was quite an event to have the teacher come 
and he or she was treated much as a gaiest; but, in 
others, the teacher suffered privations, owing mostly 
to the poverty of the families. Certainly the teacher 
had great opportunities to study human nature and 
see how the people lived. They came in close contact 
with all classes of people under all conditions. A 
great number of the teachers were from Massachu- 
setts, and th-ey were a bright and enterprising class, 
and generally married the young farmers here; they 
settled down and became good wives and mothers. 
The principal help in the famihes were slave girls, who 
were sold, as a rule, at between $50 and $100. Fami- 



288 History of Marlborough. 

lies who did not own slaves often hired them of the 
owners. They afforded good and cheap help and sel- 
dom ran away. It was a custom when the father of a 
family died, for the appraisers to set off the slave 
girl to the widow as a part of her dower. I find in 
ancient inventories that the slaves appraised at so 
much a head, scheduled the same as the horses and 
cattle. Ancient deeds often conveyed with the land 
some of the slaves. 

People traveled about on horseback — pleasure 
wagons being scarce. Many young ladies had a horse 
of their own and went about much on horseback. My 
grandmother used to tell how wh-en a girl she thought 
nothing of saddling her horse of a Sunday morning 
and riding either to Newburgh or Esopus to church. 
People carried their grain on horseback to the mill to 
be ground, and then carried hom-e their purchases. 

Communication by mail was slow and uncertain. 
Years before regular mails were ■established, and be- 
fore stages ran, the mail was carried up one side of 
the river and down the other from New York to 
Albany. It took several days to make the trip, so that 
letters and papers were only received two or three 
times a month. The mail matter was left at the vil- 
lages and crossroads and houses along th-e route, and 
when the neighbors heard that the mail carrier had 
been around, they called at certain stated places and 
got their mail. After the stage coaches began travel- 
ing here, they carried the regular mail, but left it 
only at the established post-office, the nearest on this 
side of the river being at Newburgh and Kingston. I 
find in some of the old papers letters for residents of 
this town being advertised at these offices. All this 
was attended with much delay and inconvenience, but 
our ancestors were used to it and thought notliing of 
it. After 1822 Milton, and after 1824 Marlborough, 
had regular mail service. 



Ancient Customs and Habits. 289 



The butchers in those times had no ice, in fact no 
one had ice. The butcher who killed beef in summer 
would drive around until all was sold. The people 
would put the meat in tight vessels and place it in 
the spring or the well until they could use it. There was 
no hard coal used then. Certain kinds of wood were 
burned in charcoal pits, and thus soft coal was made 
for the blacksmiths and also to be used in the foot 
stoves and for other purposes. There are many places 
to be seen in the town now where the charcoal was 
burned, and fragments of the coal are plenty as the 
elements have no effect on charcoal. 

It was not thought improper to have lotteries for 
church purposes, and records of such are still to be 
found. 

There were numerous church trials for drunken- 
ness. Many young women were cited and tried for 
attending balls and dancing, which was considered a 
serious offense. I cannot find that young men were 
so tried. In ancient times it was a custom, and ex- 
pected and required, that women should be and do 
better than the men; a higher standard was fixed for 
them; any dereliction of duty or conduct would not 
be countenanced. I cannot find that any woman was 
ever brought before the church for drunkenness, and' 
I find that they were seldom or never brought before 
the courts of law for any cause. The church kept good 
watch and ward over their people. It appears from 
what can be found in old records, papers, etc., and 
from tradition and other sources, that the mothers 
of the town were a good, religious, industrious, frugal 
and worthy people. It can be safely said that no 
truer or better class of women ever lived, and the 
people have reason to be proud that they are de- 
scended from so worthy women kind. 

Frolics and husking bees were frequent. After the 
corn became ready for husking, it was taken into the 
10 



290 History of Marlborough. 

barn or other building, the people, especially the 
young men and women, turned out to husk it in the 
evenings, the buildings being lighted with lanterns, 
it was quite a social event, and when a young man 
found a red ear of corn he was entitled to kiss the 
girl who was husking with him. This sort of pastime 
was enjoyed then as much as the present social times 
are enjoyed now. The farmers assembled and helped 
each other, and at the conclusion^ of the task they had 
a great country dinner of lamb potpie or chicken 
fricasse with lots of dumplings and vegetables; the 
women vied with each other to provide the best enter- 
tainment. 

The barn and house raisings always brought out 
a crowd; the timbers, oak and chestnut logs were 
hewn, and required much labor to get them in place. 
It was thought necessary to use enormous beams, and 
timber was put in buildings that would have sup- 
ported a dozen times the weight required of them. 

The women raised the poultry, attended to all the 
dairy work, prepared the flax and cloth, made their 
own dresses and assisted in much of the light work 
on the farm. Many of the women had horses of their 
own, went to church, made calls, etc. They rode on 
their horse with side saddles— to have ridden with 
divided skirts, or as men do, would not then have been 
countenanced. They were a strong, healthy people and 
ver}^ self-reliant. They could take care of themselves 
quite as well as the men could. They had not the 
advantages of the seminaries and polite education, 
but their mothers had brought them up well, and they 
had good common sense, and in their turn made good 
wives and mothers. 

It was the custom with many families to bury their 
dead upon their farms. The Quimby and Quick 
families and others had a burial place on a knoll in the 
corner field at the northeast corner of the crossroads 



Ancient Customs and Habits. 291 

near the Michael Kaley place. This was used for 
years by the diiTerent owners of the place. The 
Qnimby family buried on the east side of its farm in 
old times, on the lands now owned by Alice Fowler, at 
where the wild cherry trees stand ; some of the old 
stones still remain. The William Bond family and its 
slaves were buried on the patent at th-e southeast cor- 
ner, where the road from Eobert Hallock's mill meets 
the Milton dock road above Bell's factory. The Isaac 
Hill family were buried on the land back of the Had- 
ley place above Milton dock; and at various other 
places about the town, families were often buried in 
olden times on their farms. 

A short distance over the Marlborough line in the 
town of Lloyd, is a family graveyard on what was 
the old Potter farai. Here in a neglected spot, sur- 
rounded by a tumbled stone wall, is buried the old 
Revolutionary patriot, Lieutenant Nathaniel Potter, 
who took an active part in the cause, and was one of 
the Committee of Safety of the precinct of New Marl- 
borough. There are twenty graves or more in this 
small enclosure, mostly of the Potter family. The 
stones are in good state of preservation. 

The fences were very poor and people were care- 
less with their cattle, and they either broke out of the 
enclosures or were allowed to run in the highways, 
and so it was necessary that they should bo taken 
into custody to prevent trespassing and to hold th^^m 
for the owner, so pounds were instituted. At the 
town meeting in 1773, it was voted that there be two 
pounds, — one at Silas Purdy's (the Gaede place), 
and one at Robert Everett's (the Valley). Purdy 
and Everett were chosen pounders. The persons 
taking the animals to the pound received a fee and 
the pounders also received a fee for holding them and 
taking care of them. The owners could appear and 
prove property, pay the fees and take his cattle or 



292 History of Marlborough. 



horses. This way of taking up strays continued until 
about 1850. It was customary to choose a pounder 
upon the regular town ticket. 

By an old colonial law, minor offences were pun- 
ished by confinement in the public stocks, or by pub- 
lic whipping. In 1695, a law was passed forbidding 
" travelling, servile laboring and working, shooting^ 
fishing, sporting, playing, horse-racing, hunting, or 
frequenting tipling houses," by any of the '' inhabi- 
tants or sojourners within the province of New York, 
or by any of their slaves or servants, on the Lord's 
day," under penalty, if a free white person, of a fine 
of six shillings or confinement in the public stocks for 
three hours, or if a slave or Indian, thirteen lashes 
upon the naked back. Each town and precinct had its 
whipping-post and stocks. The use of these stocks 
and whipping-posts made speedy and cheap punish- 
ment for all petty offences. Those erected in this 
town were put up first at Silas Purdy's. At the town 
meeting in 1773 it was voted ''that one pound be 
raised for a pair of stocks to be kept at Silas Pur- 
dy's, who is to become responsible to the precinct 
for the same if damaged or destroyed." The punish- 
ment consisted in putting the culprits in the stocks 
in such a way that their feet and hands were secured, 
where they had to remain a certain length of time ; or 
if the whipping-post was used, a certain number of 
lashes were given. While this was used principally 
in punishing slaves there are many cases in which 
white people were so punished. A justice of the peace 
rendered sentence as to the numbr of hours a prisoner 
was to be confined in the stocks, or the number of 
lashes to be administered, and a constable executed 
the sentence. The whipping-post was generally a 
part of the stocks and erected with it. This kind of 
punishment was public and attended with much 
himiiliation and shame, and very few allowed them- 



Ancient Customs and Habits. 293 

selves to be punished the second time in this way. 
There were stocks at one time in Lattintown yet it 
is not known that any were used in this town after the 
year 1800; but the one at Newburgh, which stood at 
the junction of Colden and Water streets, was there 
up to about 1810. 

The justices of the peace, or some of them, had very 
crude ideas of law and the administration of justice. 
There has been many traditions handed down of how 
they managed their courts and enforced their sen- 
tences. A dangerous man charged with a serious 
offence was brought before a justice, the evidence was 
quite clear against him, and the court promptly ren- 
dered a decision, sentencing the offender to a long 
term in a state prison. When it was suggested to the 
Court that it had no right to so sentence him, the 
justice replied, ' ' Right or no right, the man is a bad 
man, and he will have to go to state's prison some- 
time and the sooner he gets there the better; I will 
send him any way." Two constables were deputized 
to take him to the prison, but they soon return bring- 
ing the man with them. 

It was said of another justice that when he tried a 
civil suit he had hard work to weigh his evidence, 
and in such cases he repaired to his barn and tossed 
a penny, head for the plaintiff and tail for the 
lefendant. 

The practice of medicine was very crude and un- 
certain; the doctors had peculiar ideas, and their 
treatment of patients for the same diseases was the 
opposite of the practice at present. In almost every 
conceivable case and without any regard for the con- 
dition of the patient, he was first bled. There were 
no trained nurses then, nor hospitals to care for the 
patients. And the sufferer received such care as the 
doctor could give and the resources of the family 
provided. Very little attention was paid to con- 



294 History of Marlborough. 

tagious diseases; in fact only two or three were con- 
sidered contagious — small-pox, cholera, etc., and no 
notices were ever. seen posted on the houses warning 
people against contagious disease. The doctors had a 
few simple remedies which they used for many com- 
plaints, and always carried their medicine in a box 
with them. Prescri])tions and drug stores were un- 
known and the patient recovered or died just as fate 
favored him. 

Quillings were quite a social event among the 
women, and cutting and sewing together material for 
rag carpets. The mother of a family would invite 
in her neighbors of an afternoon to help her, and 
they would have what tliey called a ({uilting bee, and 
at supper time the husbands of the women would call 
and all have supper together. 

When the women folks attended a dinner party or 
other social function, they took their knitting with 
them, and set about in a circle for hours talking over 
the events of the times, and knitting the stockings 
and mittens of the family. The stockings were long 
and the mittens thick and warm; there were no idle 
hands then. A woman was never without some work, 
and her numerous duties compelled her constant at- 
tention. After their day's labor they spent their 
evenings spinning yarn, making or mending clothes 
for their families, etc., while the men sat around the 
fire-place and smoked their long clay pipes, read, 
played checkers — which was a favorite game — or 
told stories. The women at that time did more work 
than the men; it appears the reverse now. 

It has been handed down to us by tradition that 
the neighbors were very kind to each other in cases 
of sickness and death. They would leave their own 
cares and families to administer to the afflicted. 
There were no hearses or closed carriages for the 
funeral. An undertaker at Lattintown, and after- 



Ancient Customs and Habits. 295 



ward at Marlborough would make the coffin after 
the death, take liis wagon and convey the corpse to 
the grave; and the neighbors carried the mourners 
and such friends as desired to attend the funeral. 
There were no carriages to pay for and the under- 
taker's bill was generally from ten to twenty dollars. 
Field stones marked the place of burial or else plain 
cheap slabs of redstone or marble. The income from 
the farms was small, and very little money was spent 
even for necessaries. Certainly there was no money 
to squander and a little money provided everything 
necessary, as most things were cheap. 

To be sure there were no overshoes; the men had 
nothing to wear in the snow but coarse cowhide boots, 
and the women leather shoes. The children plodded 
their way through rain and snow to school and sat 
with wet feet the remainder of the day. If wet feet 
and exposure had jjroduced consumption and kindred 
diseases, all the people would have died, but they 
were born to it, and lived through it, and left a 
pretty rugged posterity. 

There were no cigarettes; no little boys were seen 
about the town with this emlilem of disease and 
premature death in their mouths. Cigars were al- 
most unknown, at least few had money for so great 
a luxury, and all who wished to smoke had to resort 
to the white clay pipe. Most of the old people of both 
sexes smoked the pipe, and it appeared a source of 
much consolation to the extremely old and infirm, 
when they had few comforts, to sit around the fire- 
place and smoke their pipes. Certainly the pipe was 
a safe thing com] )a red to the cigars and cigarettes. 

The principal intoxicating liquors were apple 
whiskey and New England rum. There was a dis- 
tillery here and several in what is now Plattekill. 
Rum sold for three cents a glass, or thirty cents a 
gallon. There was no duty on it, and a license cost 



296 History of Marlborough. 

but five dollars. It was perfectly pure — just as it 
came from the still. There was nothing cheap 
enough to adulterate it with except water, and though 
it had lots of alcohol in it and would- make a person 
drunk, yet it poisoned no one. There were no drugs 
in it — just the pure liquor as it was distilled. There 
was much intoxication as most every one used it, and 
vigorous steps were taken in olden times to suppress 
it. At one time temperance societies were formed in 
each school district. Farmers thought they could not 
get in the hay and harvest without it. All the work 
was done by hand, and the men worked the long sum- 
mer days from sun to sun— no ten-hour work then — 
but they all used lots of whiskey and rum and did 
big work. Ordinary wages, by the day, was about 
fifty cents; in hay and harvest, one dollar and board. 
After the harvest the day men threshed out the grain 
by the tenth, and laid wall at thirty cents a rod the 
rest of the season. If a man was industrious and 
wanted a job for the winter, he would -engage to build 
a long strip of wall. Before the ground froze up he 
would stake it out, throw out the stone, make the 
foundation, and lay the wall during the winter. It 
was not uncommon to see men all over the town 
doing this in winter. Stone walls for farmers was all 
the go. They had to build fences, not only to protect 
the crops but also to get rid of the stone. These 
men made a business of wall-laying from their child- 
hood and were quite rapid at it, and made good wages 
for those times. There are many fences now standing 
in the town that were built a hundred years ago; 
but it is a lost art now and so expensive that the old- 
fashioned stone wall is a thing of the past. 

Social gatherings were usually confined to neigh- 
borly afternoon visits. Large evening parties were 
not common, and when they were held the time was 
not generally spent in dancing by the young, but in 



Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 297 

games of different kinds in which there was much 
'kissing. Dancing was reserved for the ballroom with 
music on the violin; and any tavern of any pretence 
had a room known as the ballroom. These public balls 
were opposed by the churches and resulted in many 
church trials. 

Apple-cuts were common in the fall, to supply 
material for apple sauce and pies for winter. These 
were mostly for the benefit of the young people who 
had an opportunity for a good time when the work 
was done. The social manners and customs of those 
days were simple and not hardened with the formali- 
ties of present times and young ladies in their calico 
dresses were thought very pretty and nice by the 
young men. 

Quiet and decorum was required on the streets on 
Sunday, or else the offender soon found himself in 
the stocks. 



x^ncient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 

It may be interesting to note severe and unusual 
weather and extraordinary storms. Memoranda have 
been left by different persons who kept records of 
such events. By an old diary it appears there were 
great swarms of locusts in the years 1724, 1741, 1758, 
and 1775. In the month of June, 1774, there was a 
tempestuous rain attended with great wind and very 
severe thunder and lightning, together with hailstones 
as large as pullets' eggs, so that the fields were in a 
short time overflowed with water, and grain, apples, 
and young fruit trees were destroyed. In June, 1751, 
there was a storm of similar character. 

In the winter of 1737, there was a great fall of 
rain, which froze on the trees, and so loaded them 
with ice that thousands of them broke in pieces. On 



298 History of Marlborough. 

the 17tli and 18th of May, 1758, there was a very 
great flood of water, and on the 24th day of the same 
month there was a storm which is thus described: 

" Then we had a tempestuous and violent shower with rain, 
wind and hailstones very large. Wind N. N. E. which de- 
stroyed all the rye, apples and gardens, and almost all the 
fruit trees are damaged. * * * The very apple trees which 
are young the bark was beaten loose by the weight and violence 
of the hailstones that fell. Some fowls of the air were struck 
dead by the hailstones that fell upon them." 

In the year 1770 there were vast quantities of worms 
during the month of July, and in 1773 large numbers 
of caterpillars doing great damage, the caterpillars 
making special havoc in apple and oak trees. In 
October, 1779, there was an unusually great flood, and 
on the 9th of May, 1781, there was another. Streams 
and water courses overflowed their banks and did 
great damage. It appears from several sources that 
the summer of 1760 was very remarkable on account 
of the great rainfall and freshet. The appearance 
of the grain before harvest gave promise of very 
abundant crop, but during harvest they were visited 
with so much and frequent rains that the greater part 
of the wheat was entirely spoiled. The freshet is thus 
described in a letter dated August lltli, 1760: 

But of all the showers of rain that I ever saw. I have seen 
none to equal that of Saturday, the 2Gth ult, when here fell 
so much that the water came streaming down the street, or 
rather rolling wave after wave like a small river. My thoughts 
were very much fixed on the great foundation of the whole 
globe, when the fountains of the great were broken up, and the 
windows of heaven opened, pouring the water down in such 
quantities as aged people have not before known. * * * 
This year I think is a very remarkable year, worthy of notice, 
and ought to cause us to reflect on the conduct of our life. 
It is a very signal visit from the Almighty God, these great 
rains which have thrown down strong buildings, and the con- 
tinuance thereof day after day might cause any considerate per- 
son to fear that nothing would be left of the harvest the ensu- 



Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 299 

ing year; but l^lessed be God who has yet in mercy left us 
plenty. May the judgments and mercies of God excite us 
to an earnest seeking, and deep himiiliation, before the throne 
of grace, imploring that God may be pleased to avert heavier 
strokes to fall u.pon our guilty heads which we justly deserve. 

The winter of 1817 and 1818 was most remarkable, 
and recognized as colder than any recorded in many 
years. An unusual amount of snow fell. On the 11th 
of February, the thermometer registered 32 degrees 
below zero. The cold extended as far south as New 
Orleans, and sleighs were used there in January. The 
Potomac opposite Alexandria was frozen over in Feb- 
ruary. The mail was carried from New York to New 
Jersey on the ice. The river here in some places was 
frozen twenty inches thick. The streams became so 
solid with ice that many fish perished ; and it was hard 
to obtain water for cattle. About the first of March 
the weather became very mild, and heavy rains com- 
menced on the third which raised the streams so rap- 
idly with the melting snow that almost every bridge 
in the town was swept away, and the streams being 
choked by ice flooded tire fields. 

Following are some extracts from an old memor- 
anda concerning the weather, which I trust will prove 
of interest to my readers : 

1819. — This month (January) pleasant without snow, the 
weather continuing warm with some small rains till the 13th 
of February when the weather changed cold with heavy snow 
from the northeast. 

June 29. — This day we experienced one of the most severe 
hail storms my eyes ever beheld, the wind from the north 
blowing hard with heavy thunder and heavy rain mixed with 
the large hailstones, the size of a large nutmeg and some 
measuring four inches in circumference, the ground almost 
covered with the windows clashing in pieces in every direction, 
a sconce interesting and awful beyond description. Eighty 
panes of glass were stove in on the north side of the Methodist 
church that being most exposed. 



300 History of Marlborough. 

November 13, 1820. — This day the snow fell twelve inches 
deep on the level. 

1822. — May the first day. Apples trees in blossom. 

November 2oth. Weather remarkably wann and pleasant, 
and has been for the past two weeks. 

January 1, 1823. — Sleighing from the 1st to the 19th good, 
and pleasant weather, then comes warm with rain destroying 
the sleighing. The month ends pleasant, weather moderately 
cold. 

March 1. — Weather clear and cold, good sleighing, snow two 
feet deep on the level. 

March 30th. — Snow from the northeast, violent. 

March 31st. — Still snowing and blows with increased vio- 
lence. 

May 8th. — Apples have begim to bloom. 

May 31st. — Hard frost, considerable ice. 

June 8tli.— Rain, the season most beautiful. Grass and 
grain remarkably fine. 

October 24th. — Hail, rain, and snow from the northeast. 

October 25th. — Ground covered with snow. 

February .5th, 182-4. — Clear and very cold. Thermometer 
20 degrees below at 12 o'clock. 

March 3rd. — Clear, pleasant weather. Wind northeast. 
Ground free from snow. Capt. Lockwood sailed for New 
York. Some ice in the river. 

March 4th. — The ^ind heavy in the forenoon from the north- 
east, in the afternoon warm and pleasant. 

March 5th. — This is one of the handsomest days for the 
season. 

March 6th. — Warm and pleasant, wind south. This day 
sowed sallad seed. 

March 7th. — In the morning warm, misty weather. The 
appearances of winter have all disappeared. Eain through 
the night. 

8th. — In the morning clear, wind northwest, heavy. 

9th. — Weather pleasant, wind northeast. 

10th.— " '' u u 

11th. — Weather cloudy in the morning, in the afternoon 
clear and pleasant. 

12th. — Cloudy in the afternoon. A trifle of snow through 
the night. Some rain. Eaw, cold weather, wind northeast. 
Afternoon pleasant. 

13th. — With wind northwest. 14th cloudy in morning, wind 
south. 



Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 301 



15t,h. — Clear and pleasant. 16th. Snowed hard in the morn- 
ing, wind northeast. Continues all night. 

17t]i. — Snow about five inches deep. Weather warm. Wind 
northeast moderate. Cloudy all day. 

18th.— Cloudy through the day. Weather moderate. 19th. 
Foggy till ten o'clock A.M. Clears off warm and pleasant, at 
evening clouds up. Snow through the night, 2 inches. Wind 
south. 

20th. — In the morning cloudy, wind southwest. In the 
afternoon clear. Wind shifted to northwest, blows heavy. 
21st. — Clear wind northeast, light and chilly. 
The month of April, weather variable. 
May 1st. — Peach trees in full bloom. Weather handsome. 
3rd. — Appletrees begin to blossom. 9th. This day every- 
thing appears to the best. Fruit trees in full bloom. The 
season forward. 

Jan. 1st, 1825. Warm and pleasant. For several days, no 
sleighing. 12, 13, 14, and 15th warm, rain. Weather unusu- 
ally warm through the winter, the most so that I ever saw. 
April 30th. — Appletrees in bloom. 

1826. — The winter unusually wann except three or four 
clays. May commences with dry weather, and continues with- 
out rain until the 3rd of June, then a heavy shower and 
plenty of locust, it being seventeen years since their last appear- 
ance. 

1827. — The winter handsome with good sleighing all the 
winter. 

1830. April 15. — Peach trees begin to bloom. 25th. Apple 
trees begin to blossom. Spring very forward. 

Jan. 1, 1831. — Grand eclipse at 12 o'clock noon of the sun. 
11 1-2 digits. 

1832, May 9. — Peach and plimi trees in bloom. Apple trees 
just begin to blossom. 

July the 23.— Began my harvest, the latest I have ever 
known. 

April 15, 1834. — Peach trees begin to bloom. 25th, Apple 
trees in bloom. May the 15. — Ice half inch thick in the morn- 
ing. Extreme cold. Snow visible on the mountains at 12 
o'clock. 

July 7, 8, 9th, the three hotest days. Thermometer 104 
degrees at 2 o'clock P. M. in the shade. 

1835. — January the coldest weather in 40 years. 
April. Cold month. Very backward. 



302 History of Marlborough. 

May 16. — Apple trees just beginning to bloom. Cold in the 
extreme. 

The whole of the summer dry in the extreme, and all the 
fall until the 23d of November, then snow 3 inches. Con- 
tinued till the 3rd of December very cold. Sharp windless 
weather. 

Dec. 10th. — Snow 10 inches deep. Good sleighing. 

16th. — Weather excessively cold. Rode to Newburgh and 
back, paid dear for the ride. 17th. River closed. 18. Con- 
tinues cold. 

November the 23, 1836. — Snow sufficient for sleighing. Con- 
tinues to increase till it was 3 feet deep all over the country. 
Good sleighing for four months. 

27 March. — Sleigh and horse travelled from Kingston to 
Hampton on the ice. 

April 3. — The river still closed like mid-winter weather. 
Mild and pleasant. The average depth of snow two feet. 

April 4. — The navigation opened to David Sands' dock. 
All fast above. Steamboat from New York as far as our 
landing. 

May 10. — Apple trees in bloom. Just beginning. 

May 13th. — At night heavy frost. 32 degrees. 

1837. May 2.— Cold. Ice half an inch thick. Thermom- 
eter 26 degrees. 

May 29th. — Heavy frost in the morning. 



The Ancient Burial Places. 

One of the oldest graveyards was at Lattintown, on 
the lands now owned by T. B. Odell, about where his 
large barns now stand. All traces of the yard had 
been removed before Odell became the owner, except 
the grave of Joseph Carpenter, who died in 1766. 
The gravej^ard was first used as such about 1750, and 
was used as a burial ground from that time up to 
1808, when the Baptist graveyard was opened, but 
some interments were made there after this. There 
were perhaps at one time a hundred graves or more 
of the oldest inhabitants of Lattintown. Most of the 
stones at the graves were rude field stones, the yard 




Ill: ni.ii I iiKSTxt'T Tree at Lyon's Cou.neks. 



The Ancient Burial, Places. 303 

was negleeted and suffered to go to decay, the stones 
were removed, and the land used for other purposes. 
It was used at first as a family burial yard for the 
Carpenter, Caverly and Latting families, but after- 
ward all the people about there used it; as it was on 
private ground there was no means of protecting it. 

On a beautiful small tract of tableland overlook- 
ing the majestic Hudson and lying in the bend of 
the Smith pond and brook, the waters of which comes 
foaming to the river over a very steep ledge of rocks, 
descending about 150 feet in less than 100 yards 
toward the Hudson, and commanding a view of the 
river and surrounding country and hills for several 
miles, is the old Smith burial ground. No more beauti- 
ful spot can be found in a day's travel along the river. 
All overgrown with brush and weeds, and the stones 
lying about the ground or falling down, — in this ne- 
glected spot is laid some of the best people the town 
ever had or produced. 

It has been claimed that the Smiths first had this 
yard, but there is a tradition that the Indians buried 
their dead here for years before and after the dis- 
covery of the country, and a space appears to be left 
as if it were formerly used, and I find on two field 
stones the following: 

* ' (L Cr + Ad M -f OAd) 
which I think must be Indian graves. 

Leonard Smith did not come here until 1762, and 
he purchased the north part of the Barbarie Patent 
which part contained 1,000 acres; it formerly be- 
longed to Hugh Wentworth. I find the following 
graves prior to that time: 

I E David Talcot 

1756 Died May 24th 1762 

showing it was used for a graveyard before the 
Smiths had it. There are at least 100 graves with 



304 History of Marlborough. 

field stones unmarked. There are many of the old 
red imported tombstones which were first used for 
such purpose. The following inscriptions are on some 
of the oldest stones : 

Leonard Smith Aiming Smith Xatlian Smith 

Died ye 6th 1787 Died Oct. 3Uth 1802 Died Sept. 30th 1798 
Age 69 years 6 mo Age 59 yrs. 10 mo. Aged 33 yrs. 9 mo. 



Euth, wife of Leonard Smith 
March 19th 1799 
Age 81 yrs. 



Eleanor Smith Lewis Smith 

Sept. 1835 May 1815 

89 yrs. 2 mo. 35 yrs. 2 mo. 



Clark Smith 
June 31st 1802 
35 yrs. 9 mo. 



Jamima, wife of Clark Smith 
July 7th 1802 
35 yrs. 6 mo. 



ISTelle Smith, daughter of Deborah Smith 

John M. Smith July 25th 1838 

March 11th 1790 86 yrs. 20 da. 



Luff Smith 
Aug. 24th 1801 
56 yrs. 1 mo. 



David Stratton Temperance Parkins James ^NTorton 

Feb. 17th 1803 June 12th, 1789. July 7th 1809 

34 yrs. 74 yrs. 42 yrs. 



The Ancient Burial Places. 305 



T. K. 

1789 


Oct, 
39 


Marv, wife of Uriah Coffin 
, 1795 

yrs. 


Hannah Davis 
Dec. 7tli 1797 
104 yrs. 11 mo. 


Valentine Lewis 
May 20th 1832 
60 yrs. 




Ruth Woolsey, wife of 
Valentine Lewis 
July 1855 
76 yrs. 


Amirhuhama' Bradbury 
A Eevohitionary Soklier 
Born March 11th 1762 
Died May 5th 1830 




Sarah Quick 
Wife of Luke C. Quick 
April 1814 
Age 72 yrs. 


M R 

1776 




P R 

1776 



This yard has been used more or less until within 
a few years. In 1812 the land on which the Methodist 
Episcopal church stands was conveyed by David 
Sands to the trustees of the church, and a few years 
thereafter interments were made in this yard, and 
afterward the yard was increased or adjoining land 
was purchased and sold to plot owners, and it has 
been the principal place of burial in this village ever 
since. 

The Marlborough Presbyterian churchyard is al- 
most as old as the first two spoken of ; the first inter- 
ment there was in March, 1764,— a child of James 
Merritt; and the following are some of the oldest 
graves I find there : 

Richard Woolsey, born 1697, died 1777, aged 80 years. 
Sarah Fowler, wife of Richard Woolsey, died 1770. 
Dr. Abijah Perkins, died Nov. 23, 1776, aged 60 years. 
John Stratton, died Dec. 1798, 73 years. 



306 History of Marlborough. 

Stephen Case, died 1T94, aged 56 years. 

Nathaniel DiiBois, died Apr. 1T88, aged 30 years. 

Maj. Lewis DuBois, born Sept. 14, 1728, died Dec. 29, 1802. 
74 yrs. 

Daniel Lockwood, died 1801, 38 years. 

Jonathan Brown, died 1801, 74 years. 

Eeuben Tooker, died Sept. 1807,' 63 years. 

John Woolsey, died Dec. 12, 1815, aged 82 years. 

Henry Woolsey, died Feb. 1839, aged 78 years. (For more 
than half a century prominently identified with the Methodist 
church.) 

John Polhamus, died Oct. 1801, aged 71 years. 

Edward Conklin, died Apr. 1818, aged 82 years. 

Michael Wygant, died Sept. 1807, aged 84 years. 

Mathew Wygant, died Sept. 1831, aged 8^ years. 

William Soper, died Feb. 1837, aged 68 years. "Born in 
Exeter, England, and at an early age became a naturalized 
citizen, and held several offices of Honor and responsibility 
in this country." 

Charles Millard, died April 1827, aged 64 years. '•' He sus- 
tained the character of Good Man^ and for more than twenty 
years faithfully dicharged the official duties of leading Elder 
and Deacon in the Presbyterian church." " The righteous shall 
be ia everlasting remembrance." 

Sacred to the memory of Selah Tuthill, An elect Member 
of Congress, who died Sept. 7, 1821, Ae. 49 years, 10 months, 
and 12 d'ys. " Cut down in the midst of life and usefulness." 

"In Memory of Wolvert Ecker, who died Jan. 17, 1799; 
aged 67 years. "A inan of sorrow and acquainted with grief." — 
Isa. 53d, 3d. 

"No more shall we thy much lov'd face review; 
Adieu forever, \yest of friends, adieu." 

Selah Tuthill, died Oct. 1833, aged 27 years. (He was the 
editor of the Milton Pioneer.) 

Andrew Cropsey, Nov. 1824, aged 69 years. 

John Cropsey, Nov. 1832, aged 50 years. 

John Duffield, died July 1822, aged 78 years. 

Timothy Wood, died Nov. 1853, aged 89 years. His wives: 
Mary, died 1816, aged 46 years; Cyntha, 1818, 56 years; 
Eleanor. 1840, 68 years. 

Jonathan Cosnian, died Aug. 1823, aged 62 vears. 



The Ancient Burial Places, 307 

Eev. James Ostrum, Sept. 17, 1871, 90 years. "He was for 
63 years a faithful and useful minister of the gospel, and for 
several years the beloved pastor of this village." 

John's. Purdy, died Sept. 1856, 93 years. 

John Fowler, died 1827, 73 years. 

Gilbert Fowler, M.D., died i8-22, 28 years. 

David Merritt, died 1817, 70 years. 



There are also the graves of Joseph Ciomwell, 
Benoni Clark, James Wygant, Jonathan Conklin, 
Daniel Tooker, Willielmns DuBois, Samuel Carpen- 
ter, Nathaniel Hiison, John Kniffiu, Keiibeii Bloomer, 
DIavid Staples (one of the deacons of the Lattintown 
Baptist church), John D. Wygant, Thomas Wygant, 
Capt, Anthony Wygant, John Marr, Charles Craft, 
John Taylor, David Mackey, Daniel Pierce, John 
Pembroke, Georg^e Hallett, John Dexter, Austin Mer- 
ritt, William Rogers, John Conklin and John Bloomer. 

There have been more interments in this yard than 
in any other in the town, but very few of the earlier 
graves are marked. I find by an ancient record that 
interments were commenced a month before the deed 
was given, as in March, 1764, two children of James 
Merritt and one of Thomas Silkworth were buried. 
February, 1766, Elizabeth Piatt, wife of E. Piatt, the 
first grown person, was buried. In 1770 and 1771 
several deaths from small-pox occurred. December 
1774, two children of Jacob Degroot, who were burned 
to death, were Imried. November 26, 1776, buried 
Dr. Abijah Perkins, a friend to this society and a 
good man." August, 1777, buried George Landon; No. 
61 in the church yard. May, 1782, Sarah, ^ife of 
Nathaniel Drake; No. 93; August, 1784, buried Jane 
Pell, aged nearly 100. December, 1782, buried T>hebe. 
wife of Peter Purdy; No. 95. December 12, 1800, 



308 History of Marlborough. 

Annanias Valentine, Thomas Pickney, Isaae Elliott, 
Jeremiah Cropsey and Leonard Merritt were drowned. 
They were buried here. 

Up to and including 1800 there were over 200 
interments in this yard. From what can be inferred 
a large number of people must have been buried there 
up to the present time. Some thirty or forty years 
since a considerable tract of land was purchased on 
the south of the old yard, laid out in lots, and sold to 
purchasers. This part of the yard is well kept and 
contains many fine monuments. 

In the Lattintown Baptist churchyard I find among 
the oldest graves the following: 

Stephen Staples, died April 1813, 56 years. 

Jonathan Woolsey, Nov. 1822, 67 years. 

Titus Ketcham, 1818, 78 years. 

John Mackey, May 1818, 73 years. 

Nathaniel Quimby, May 1823, 77 years. 

N. W. Marr, 1832, 82 years. 

Samuel Waters, Nov. 1828, 87 years. 

Nathaniel Benedict, June 1825, 61 years. Abigal, his wife, 
March 1862, 93 years. 

Joseph Ehodes, Dec. 1851, 93 years. (A soldier of the 
Eevolution. ) 

Aaron N. Staples, Feb. 1847, 41 years. 

Zepheniah Northrip, Jan. 1846, 66 years. 

Curtis Northrip, May 1851, 47 years. 

James Fowler, Feb. 1839, 70 years. 

Oliver Cosnian, Sept. 1846, 52 years. 

"Deacon of the Baptist Church." 

Eichard Caverly, Apr. 1842, 64 years. 

George Harper, May 1842, 63 years. 

Noah Woolsey, 1832, 82 years. ' 

Gilbert Kniffin, June 1826, 82 years. 

William St. John, Oct. 1841, 73 years. 

Henry St. John, 1820, 37 years. 

Nehemiah L. Smith, Apr. 1819, 61 vears. Lydia, his wife, 
1851, 80 years. 

William Lyons, Jan. 1836, 84 years. 

Sylvenus Purdy, 1830, 68 years. 



The Ancient Burial Places. 309 



William Mitchell, Mar. 1835, 76 years. 
Nathaniel Harcourt, June 1818, 70 years. 
l\ichard Harcourt, July 18;i7, -±8 years. 



The Quaker or Friends' burying ground at the 
Henry H. Hallock place, Milton, was bought and used 
originally for the Friends to bury their dead. The 
land was conveyed to the Society about 1780 by Elijah 
Lewis, and in 1801 Lewis conveyed more land adjoin- 
ing for the same purpose, and it is claimed it was 
afterward enlarged. All the original Friends were 
buried there. It was the custom among Quakers to 
put field stones at the graves, and on this account the 
oldest graves cannot be identified. For a great many 
years all who chose to could bury their dead here, and 
there are a large number of graves that have no 
marks. After 1828 the Old School Quakers bought a 
lot for a graveyard of Foster Hallock and erected a 
church. That society has since buried their dead 
there. The New School or Hicksites continued to use 
the old yard. Captain Mann and the two Lieuten- 
ants, Edward and John Ketcham, are buried there, 
and several other soldiers; Dr. Quick, the Shermans, 
the ancient Hallock family, and many of the best 
people in the town in that day are interred there. It 
is a lonely, sequestered spot, shaded with tall locust 
trees and a large old chestnut tree is still standing 
there which was left when the original forest was cut 
down. It is several hundred years old. The grave- 
yard is seldom seen and never visited except by^ the 
friends of the departed. The Quaker yard above 
spoken of has been the burial place of the Friends 
since 1830. Foster and George Hallock are buried 
there, and other Quakers and their friends have used 
it since that time. It adjoins the George Hallock pond 
and is a nice, quiet place. 



310 History of Marlborough. 

The Ei3iscoi3alians at Marlborough have a yard ad- 
joining their church which is well kept, and contains 
the graves of the Buckleys and others. It was not 
in use until some time after the church was built. 

Most of the older yards are being neglected. The 
friends of the departed have died, moved away or 
descendants have forgotten that they had any such 
ancestors. In many places in this state societies are 
formed to protect and take care of such places. In 
Massachusetts, the towns take charge of the ancient 
burial places and pay the expenses as a town charge. 
Plots or maps are made locating each grave, and the 
name (when it can be learned), and all in such a man- 
ner that the location will be known for a long time, — 
even after the stone is gone. In riding through Mass- 
achusetts a few years since, I observed how well their 
yards were fenced and the grounds cleared up. I 
had no troul)le in finding ancient graves of former 
generations that I sought. It may be thought that a 
great deal of time has been foolishly spent on the 
graveyard matter, but I have heard from so many 
about departed relatives, and have been asked so 
many questions by strangers who visit here, that I 
knew this account would be pleasing to many and help 
them verv much in their researches. 



Poll List in 1834. 

Poll list of an election commencing the third day of 
November in the year 1834 and held for three days 
in the town of Marlborough in the County of Ulster. 

David ]\rackey Thomas Cropsey 

Dennis H. Doile John Carlish 

Barnabass Mapes Job Cropsey 

Eichard Coligan Solomon Utter 

Ezra Waring Isaac Tarwillegar 

Miles I. Fletcher James H. Lonffbottom 



Poll List in 1834. 



311 



John Buckley 

Richard R. Fowler 

James Dickenson 

Leonard S. Carpenter 

Charles Merritt 

Benjamin F. Patten 

George Mabee 

Bartholomew Van Valken- 
burgh 

Martin I. Lawson 

Benjamin Pettit 

Nathaniel Huson 

William Dolson 

Benjamin Townsend 

George Birdsall 

Robert B. Mapes 

Henry Mabee 

William Rogers 

William ]\Lc-Ilrath 

William Ellis 

Sylvenis Purdy 

Jeremiah Tarwillegar 

Daniel G. Russell 

William Van Vanlkenl)uro:h 

Andrew Oddy 

Robert Beebee 

Stephen Van A'alkenl}urgh 

James Horton 

Asia Conkling 

William Kelly 

Peter M. Jones 

Richard Rhoads 

Cors Carpenter 

Henry Lownsbury 

Purdy Lownsbury 

Stephen Staples 

David Staples 

Gilbert Caverly 

John W. Wygant 

David i\Iorgan 

Henry Cropsey 

Samuel I. Halsey 

George Fetter 

Selah Dickenson 



Joseph Brook 
Timothy Colegan 
Joseph Plumpsted 
Joshua Brook 
Charles Brook 
Thomas Shackleton 
Edmund Melona 
Alexander Cropsey 
Robert Morgan 
George Barnhart 
Charles Tooker 
David L Merritt 
Henry Plumpsted 
John Wilklow 
Chas Birdsall 
Carpenter Caverly 
Philip Caverly 
Joseph Alore 
John B. Wygant 
Joseph Hepworth 
Lewis Young 
Uriah Plumpsted 
John T. Ferguson 
Lewis Supreme Mungo 
Xathl Wygant 
Burns Wygant 
Daniel Strait 
John Woolsey 
Elias Howell 
Ezekiel Veely 
Barnard Bond 
Eli T. Loekwood 
Charles X. Brown 
Henry V. Bont 
Elisha Purely 
Jeremiah Thorn 
Charles G. Jackson 
Jacob Gidney 
Andrew Ely 
Ebenezer Crosby 
Barnard Wygant 
Stephen H. Benjamin 
Gilbert Thorn 
Thomas Bingham 



312 



History of Marlborough. 



Daniel S. Birdsall 
William W. Lockwood 
William Smith 
Jeremiah Decker 
William Holmes 
Joseph Wygant 
Benjn Rhoads 
Samuel Lord 
Peter Freer 
Daniel Underwood 
Michael Wygant 
Cors Wygant 
Edward Dubois 
Marcus Dougherty 
Josiah H. Merritt 
James Bloomer 
Eobert Spence 
John Lawson 
Samuel Drake, Ju^ 
Gabriel Merritt 
Jefferson Bloomer 
Daniel Bloomer 
Justus T. Cumfort 
Peter Purdy 
Stephen Purdy 
Edwin P. Howell 
Stephen Ehoads, Jr 
Joseph P. Howell 
Lewis Rhoads 
John W. Cropsey 
John Decker 
Henry Lownsbury, Ju. 
Michael Wygant 3 
Garrett Dubois 
Nathaniel Belly 
John Degrote . 
D. W. Woolsey 
Isaac L. Craft 
John B. Holdin 
Smith Rhoads 
Robert S. Lockwood 
James D. Sloan 
Jonas Fowler 
Remus Woolsey 



Jacob Poste 
James Fowler, Ju^ 
Benjamin Hulse 
James Sherman 
Jonas Denton 
Israel Halt 
William Soper, Ju"" 
David R. Ostrarder 
Henry I^IcQuill 
Thomas R. Jones 
Joseph L. Donaldson 
Aaron Bradbury 
James Fowler 
Abraham Tuttle 
Hiram Lewis 
Augustus H. Conklin 
Cornelius Bradbury 
John Y. Barrett 
Samuel Herbert 
John Bent 
Rufus Rhoads 
John Wood, Jur 
Jacob P. Townsend 
Robert Young 
Isaac Fowler 
Nathaniel Strait 
A. D. Soper 
Jacob H. Gillis 
Henry King 
Anson St. John 
Eliphalet Smith 
John Davis 
Tuthill Martin 
David Sands 
Isaac Quimby, Jui" 
Levi Mackey 
Nelson Smith 
Simon Ostrander 
Jacob Lawson 
Henry Hamblin 
Joel Hornbeck 
Peter Relyea 
Alfred Lewis 
John Sands 



Poll List in 1834. 



313 



Charles L. Marble 
Jeriah Ehoads 
Elias Mackey 
Benjamin Anthony- 
Benjamin Ehoads 
David Selleck 
John Belknap 
William Hallock 
Nathaniel Hallock 
James Hull 
John Hull 
Edward Hallock 
Cornwell S. Eoe 
Ananias Quick 
William Yoinig 
Uriah Coffin 
Nathaniel Clark 
Eichard T. Woolsey 
Michael Smith 
John Dickinson 
David Gidney 
Luther Pratt 
John Ehoads 3 
William Gidney 
David S. Adams 
Matthew Potter 
Thomas Woolsey 
Oliver H. Smith 
Jacob Eowley 
David Brower 
Peter Quimby 
Samuel Stratten 
Daniel Quick 
John Sheffield 
David A. Hull 
Archibald Ehoads 
Joseph Sheffield 
Philip Mackey 
Eeuben D. Mackey 
Daniel Eowley 
Lorenzo Hait 
Elijah Lewis 
Nathaniel Woolsey 
Jonathan Kent 



Absalom Barrett 
James Denton 
Eeuben B. Drake 
Joseph K. Weede 
Thomas (xriggs 
William Dowe 
Stephen B. ^Mackey 
William Coffin 
Oliver C. Hull 
Josiah L. Dowe 
Samuel H. Adams 
Allen Lewis 
Josiah Lockwood 
Isaac Minard 
James Malcolm 
John Purdy 
John T. Hallock 
Albert Fowler 
Eobert T. Hallock 
Peter Lockwood 
James Adderton 
AVilliam Wendover 
Michael Quimby 
Nathaniel Harcourt 
Smith Wood 
William D. Wygant 
Nathaniel Dubois 
William Eoat 
John Stephens 
Stephen Ehoads 
Isaac B. Purdy 
Hiram Smith 
Hezekiah H. Mapes 
William L. Ehoads 
Nicholas Belly 
William Lynason 
Charles King 
Jacob Belly 
John D. Crook 
James Quimby 
George Wygant 
Thadeas F. Hait 
Peter Vandermark 
James Wvafant 



314 



History of Marlborough. 



Isaac Merritt 
John S. Roe 
Cornelius Ehoads 
Latting Caverly 
Isaac Winn 
John S. Wood 
Joseph Harcourt 
William Swart 
Anstin Merritt 
Lewis Ehoads 
Samuel Ayres 
Benjamin Kaywood 
Peter Barnliart 
jSTathaniel Woolsey Ju 
John S. Purdy 
Anthony Mackey 
William L. Mackey 
Philip Fowler 
Frederick Hadley 
Dennis D. Purdy 
Thomas Smith 
Samuel Drake 
Peter H. Caverly 
John I. Ehoads 
James Hait, Ju 
Adna Hait 
Heman Matine 
William Lyon 
Hait Benedict 
Abel Smith 
Elias M. Mackey 
Stephen H. Smith 
Chester Kniffin 
Jonas Mackey 
Purdy Hadley 
George Hearst 
Jesse Lyon 
Elett Howel 
William Ehoads 
William Wygant 
John Mabee 
Daniel Lester 
James Force 
Henrv Cosman 



Mathew T. Wygant 
Hacaliah Purdy 
John Harris 
Jeremiah Mackey 
Daniel Kniffin 
Thomas Mackey 
Thomas S. Mackey 
Gilbert Conklin 
Abm Young 
Uriah Drake 
Charles Caywood 
Isaac Staples 
William Lvon. Ju^ 
Peter T. Knitfin 
Abm Woolsey 
Francis Mackey 
Daniel St. John 
Zadock Ehoads 
John Ehoads 
Uriah D. Quimby 
Isaac Quimby 
Fowler Quiml)y 
Joseph Caywood 
Benj amine Ayres 
Adolphas Smith 
Thomas Kniffin 
Lewis Quick 
Charles Wygant 
Denton Smith 
Joseph Stiles 
Oliver Huson 
Lewis Staples 
Chancy ^^\vgant 
Harvy Wygant 
Wygant i\Ierritt 
Joseph Merritt 
Lewis Dubois 
William Hull 
Levi Crosby 
Eleazer Gedney 
Oliver Covert 
Eichard Caverly 
David M. Hait" 
Xathaniel Utter 



Poll List in 1834. 315 

John B. Porter Allexander Young 

Abel A. Hull John S. Purday '-ind 

John Hull Daniel Tooker 

Oliver Hull James Quimby, Ju^' 

Jeremiah ^lackey Thomas S. Warren 

Joseph Berryann Pichard Scoat 

Charles Decker Henry Quick 

Allen Quick Zephaniah Xorthrip 

Harvy Quick Hiram Campbell 

Mathew T. Berryann Cornelius Quiml)y 
David Young 

This election was held the first day at Marlbor- 
ough, the second day at Milton and the third day at 
Lattintown. This can be readily seen by examining 
the names. There were 383 votes cast. 

Will. L. Marcey, for governor, received 231 votes 
and Win. H. Seward received 119. At that time 
there were the Democrat and Whigs parties. Marcey 
was the Democratic nominee, and Seward the Whig. 
Marcey had eighty-five majority showing how strong 
the Democrats were in those days. The ticket ran 
about the same for all the rest of the nominees. I 
think there were more men than this in the town at 
that time, but there were certain qualifications which 
prevented all from voting. 

These elections were held all over the State in the 
same way, occupying three days, the inspectors going 
from one place to another and carrjdng the ballot 
boxes with them. This must have been done for the 
convenience of the voters, as it provided for three 
polling places in each town, or could be made avail- 
able for that purpose; and one set of inspectors did 
the whole work. The worst feature about this man- 
ner of voting would be the opportunity it afforded 
to tamper with the liallots after they were deposited 
in the ballot box. The first two nights of such an 
election, the boxes must have been taken in charge 
by one of the inspectors, most likely taken to the 



316 HisTOEY OF Marlborough. 

house of one of the inspectors, unless all the inspec- 
tors sat up with the boxes, and even then, if the in- 
spectors were mercinary, they could have opened the 
boxes and tampered with the l)allots, and made most 
any return of the votes which they chose. Under this 
system of voting, it would not be necessary to buy up 
the voters. It would be so much easier and cheaper 
to buy up the inspectors ; and the inspectors, un- 
doubtedly, were no better or worse than the other 
voters, and equally purchaseable, though they would 
have wanted more money. Isn't it funny when you 
think of it? 




Edward Hali.ock Ketch am. 



CHAPTER XIL 

Marlborough in the Civil. War. 

Marlborough, like all her sister towns, and the 
natioii at large, was startled and astounded when war 
was precipitated ])y the attack upon Fort Sumpter by 
armed rebels. President Lincoln's immediate proc- 
lamation calling for 75,000 volunteers was responded 
to by some from this town. 

The 20th Regiment of Militia, after its three 
months' service, returned home and immediate steps 
were taken to organize it into a regiment of volun- 
teers for three years' service in the war. It left Kings- 
ton October 25, 1861, Geo. W. Pratt, Colonel, for its 
journey to the seat of war, as the 80th New York 
Volunteers. The next regiment from the county was 
the 120th, Colonel Geo. H. Sliarpe. This regiment 
left Kingston for the front Sunday, August 2-4, 18()2. 
Lieutenant Edward Ketcham and liis men were with 
it, — many of the people flocked to Kingston to see 
them off, and to extend to them, as it afterward 
proved, a last *' goodbye." The approach of the 
steamer, Manhattan, on its trip down the river with 
the regiment was watched from the shores about the 
town by a large number of the people. 

The next regiment, the 156th, commanded by Eras- 
tus Cook, left for the front in December, 1862, Lieu- 
tenant William J. Piirdy and his men were from the 
town. All of these recruits were mostly from Ulster 
county and were enlisted for three years or during 
the war. The larger part of the enlistments from 
this town were in these regiments ; the other recruits 
were scattered among many organizations. No at- 
tempt will be given to tell of the war or the services 

[317] 



318 HisTOEY OF Marlborough. 



these regiments performed. It is all recorded iu his- 
tory and accesible to everyone. 

Many are still living in the town who well remember 
how all anxiously awaited any news from the seat of 
war. They thronged around the post-office when the 
mails came, anxiously waiting for the daily papers, 
and for the letters from dear ones ; and when the news 
of a great battle arrived, the anxiety of the people 
was great to hear who had fallen. 

The battles of Antietam and Gettysburg produced 
great sorrow in many homes. When the friends of 
those who were slain w^ere so fortunate as to obtain 
the bodies of the dead for -burial here, whole neigh- 
borhoods turned out to pay their last tribute of love 
and respect to the fallen heroes. 

The impaired currency, specie driven out of circu- 
lation, gold bought and sold, — the same as any other 
commodity, paper money of all denominations, the 
fractional part of a dollar called shin plasters, flooded 
the country. There were high prices for everything, 
all tliis and many other things will be remembered. 
Almost five j'ears of strife, the North contending 
against the South, armies marching up and down the 
land, property by the millions of dollars worth de- 
stroyed, lands and towns laid waste, thousands of 
men shot to death on the fields of battle, thousands 
more dying in the prisons of the Union and Confeder- 
ate armies, commerce destroyed, credit impaired, 
battles won and lost, mourning in almost every home 
north and south, families divided in opinion and in 
service in the war, then the surrender of the south 
and great rejoicing throughout the north soon to be 
followed by the assasination of our beloved President 
Lincoln plunging the nation again in sadness and 
sorrow^; these were some of the results of the Civil 
war. 

But the fact was established for all time that this 



Marlborough in the Civil War. 319 



country was to be a Union of all the states " one and 
inseparable;" all thereafter to act together as one 
nation for the common good, and all the states to be 
subordinate to the national authority. The faUacy of 
state rights was dead, never to be contended for 
again. The curse of slavery was wiped out, and ours 
had become a nation of soldiers in numbers and skill 
sufficient to protect itself against all the woi'ld. 

The elo(pient and patriotic record of two of our 
soldiers are here given. They show spirit, devotion 
and patriotism seldom eciualed and we are glad to re- 
cord their virtues : 

EDWARD HALLOCK KETCILUI. 



>oni in Miltoiij N. Y., December twentij-seventJi , eighteen 
hundred and thirty- five, entered the service of his country, 
at Kingston, August nineteenth, eighteen hundred and 
sixty-two; commissioned second lieutenant, Co. A., One 
Hundred and Tiventieth Regiment, Infantry, N. Y. V.; 
Tcilled at Gettysburg, July second, eighteen hundred and 
sixty-three; buried on the battle-field; remains subse- 
quently exhumed, and reinterred in the Friends' Burial 
Ground at Milton, N. Y. 



JOHN TOWN SEND KETCH AM. 



Born in Jericho, L. I., January twelfth, eighteen hundred and 
thirty-eight ; entered the service of his country, in New 
York City, February sixth, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
three ; commissioned second lieutenant, 'Co. M., Fourth 
Regiment, Cavalry, N. Y. V.; taken prisoner, and died in 
Libby Prison October eighth, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
three; remains rettirned to his friends, and reinterred in the 
Friends' Burial Ground, at Milton, N. Y. 

Of the 3^oung men of the town of Marlborough who 
answered to their country's call, there were no braver 



320 History of Marlborough. 

or better men than Edward H. and John T. Ketcham; 
their conduct and the manner of their deaths lend a 
halo to their memory. They were sons of David and 
Martha T. (Hallock) Ketcham. At the commence- 
ment of the war their father was dead, and they 
were the only children. They lived with their mother 
on their farm at Milton. From infancy opposed to 
slavery and zealous for the rights of man, and know- 
ing or recognizing only one nation and country, the 
commencement of the rebellion found them not only 
strong abolitionists but uncompromising Union men, 
and although the teachings of their ancestors for many 
generations had been for peace, yet they recognized 
in this struggle that peace would not do; that there 
were some things in this world that peace, the gospel 
and religion would never accomplish, and that in the 
coming struggle nothing but war, cruel and bitter war, 
could accomplish freedom and preserve the unity of 
the nation. At the commencement of the struggle 
they were both anxious to enter the service, but their 
duty to their widowed mother restrained them, yet 
the feeling grew upon them ; it haunted their thoughts 
by day and their dreams by night, and they deter- 
mined that one at least should go into the service and 
the lot fell ui^on Edward the elder. A few months 
later, John could not restrain himself longer and he 
went to the front. Edward was killed at Gettysburg; 
he was the first man killed in the regiment. It was 
on the second day of the battle and his regiment was 
exposed to great danger. Officers and men to the 
number of 427 were present, 204 of whom were killed 
or wounded. Many other men of Ulster county gave 
their young lives on that eventful day. No prouder 
thing can be said of anyone than that he died while 
h-elping to hold the line of battle for his country at 
the great battle of Gettysburg. It will be told in re- 
membrance of them by coming generations, and their 




./(>ll.\ I'oW.XSKM) Kl-TfllAM. 



Marlborough in the Civil Wah. 321 



deeds will be proclaimed in song and story by a 
grateful people yet unborn. I feel that this history 
would be incomplete unless something was said of 
them, and perhaps nothing could be better than to 
reprint some of the letters they wrote their mother. 

Manasses Junction, Nov. 18th, 1862. 

Dear Mother: I wrote home and said that I was sick; but I 
am very happ}' to say that I am a great deal better; in fact, 
about well. So don't feel uneas}', for nothing short of a rebel 
bullet will kill me, I think. We are now all the time expecting 
orders to march, to what place I do not pretend to know; but 
the knowing ones say, to Fredericksburg, which, from every 
indication and the situation of our forces, I think not unlikely. 
* * * I have faith that, when the war is ended, I shall be 
home again all right, and I only fear that I shall find thee the 
worse for the worry and anxiety that I know are bestowed on 
me. Don't for heaven's sake, fret and worry, on my account, 
if for no other reason; because I want to see ni}) mother when 
I come back (if it is my fortune to do so,) as I left her, not 
broken down with useless anxiety on my account; so be as 
cheerful as possible, and think, if it should be my lot to be 
among those who are never to return, that I shall die doing my 
duty; and that is the way a man should die; for die he must, 
and a few years more or less don't make much difference, so 
that when the end comes it finds us at our posts with our 
harness on our backs. It is not the business of a man's life to 
devote himself, simply, to saving that life ; but to do his duty, 
whatever it may l)e, and let life take care of itself. So in 
either event don't feel uneasy about me, for I have no fear 
for myself, and I do not wish any one to worry uselessly for 
me. So, hurrah for the second grand army ! It is going to 
do its duty, and it won't be sacrificed to strategy, thank God, 
Avith Burnside and Abraham Lincoln. 

Affectionately, thy son, 

E. H. KETCHAM. 



Old Camp near Falmouth, Dec. 17th, 1862. 
Dear Mother and Brother: 

The last letter I wrote home, was dated " Field of Battle," 
* * * But enough of this fight. I am alive and well, and 
11 



322 History of Marlborough. 

never felt better. I can sleep with or withoiit blankets ; with 
or without tent; with or without fire; with or without rain, in 
the middle of December; and come out next morning, lively 
as ever, and don't mind it. 

I have never known what it was to really suffer, from hunger 
or cold; and I know that soldiers' letters, (officers included) 
are, nine times out of nine, one-half exaggerations. So, don't 
believe the stories that will, doubtless, innocently and in good 
faith, be sent back to Milton, by the boys who came from there; 
for, in the eyes of some, a mole hill is a mountain. Don't 
think that, because I am an officer, I fare better than they. 
When it comes hard times in the field, there is no difference to 
speak of; only the men drew rations on the field and the 
officers did not. I had bread and meat in my haversack, how- 
ever, when I got back. We have got our tents and baggage, and 
are comfortable; and I have no trouble on my mind, except a 
fear that my mother may worry herself sick, on my account, 
though I hope she may not. Don't think I am going to be 
killed or wounded. It is all nonsense to borrow trouble from 
the future. I will live, if I am to live, and die if I am to die; 
which, I suppose, I shall some day — if not on the battle- 
field; and it is only a question of time. Next time we cross 
the Rappahannock, I guess it will be a sure go; so, hurrah for 
Burnside, and our army I 

Affectionally, your son, and brother, 

E. W. KETCHAM. 



He Advises His Brother Not to Enter the Service. 
Camp near Falmouth, Ya., Jan. 11th, 1863. 
Dear Jack : 

I received a letter from you by Col. Sharpe, and you may 
suppose I was somewhat surprised. * * * Our mother, in 
her declining years, has a right to one of her sons, at least, 
and when I left home I thought that you would stay. You 
remember, when the war first broke out, that we cast lots, which 
should stay; it fell on you, and though it may come tough, stay 
like a man, and don't murmur. Jack ! I may fall a victim 
to rel)el bullets, or disease, that strikes oftener and harder. I 
want you to stay at home, and save our name and race; for 
it is at least worth saving, and trust us, in spite of the dis- 
aster at Fredericksburg, to put it through and save the nation. 
We have changed camp to a lovely spot, and I have a com- 
fortable shanty; about eight feet by fourteen, and a good fire- 



He Advises His Brother Not to Enter Service. 323 

place and chimney, and am as comfortable as you need wish to 
see a soldier ; but it may be for one day, or it may be a month, 
no one can tell. I must close in time for the mail. 
Affectionately, your brother, 

EDWARD KETCHAM. 



Camp near Falmouth, \-d., Feb. IStli, 1863. 
Dear Mother: 

I received a letter from thee and John yesterday, and one 
from him to-day. I know, of course, it must come hard to thee 
to part with him, and be left alone ; but, still thee has kind and 
sympathizing friends, who will do all that they possibly can, 
to make thy hard lot, as I may call it, easy. Xow, perhaps, it 
will somewhat soften thy grief, if I tell thee that the hardships 
of war are greatly exaggerated. I have seen men, who told 
awful stories of their sufferings in their campaign before Eich- 
mond, brought to admit, that what they were then enduring 
equaled any suffering they had before met with. Now, I have 
never yet seen the three consecutive hours, when I suffered 
either from cold, heat, thirst, or hunger; or much on,accoimt 
of fatigue. Now, soldiers, as a rule, like to be heroes ; in fact, 
that brought a large share of them here, and if they don't 
exaggerate consideral)ly, in their letters home, why, their friends 
would not have a chance to indulge in hero-worship ! Thus, 
it comes, that wonderful stories are told; and then it is natural 
to make any transaction of their own as big as possible, to some 
people ; so, the big yarns find their way home. " Never believe 
but half a traveler tells you,"' is a pretty safe rule; but when 
you come to a soldier, why, reject two-thirds and trim the 
balance. Doubtless the wounded and sick have suffered; but 
I believe that the instances where the well soldier has suffered 
to any great extent are scarce; never from hunger; except, per- 
haps, when the baggage-trains have been lost or captured. 

But what if we do suffer some, occasionally, what does it all 
amount to ? Who expects to go through life, gathering roses, 
from which the thorns have been plucked? The back should 
be shaped to the burden. Mother, to tell the truth, I did 
cherish a hope that Jack would be disappointed in getting off; 
but it seems I was disappointed. I hoped this only on thy 
account; for I believe these times, and this war, call for just 
such men as he ; and, though he is my only brother, and I know 
full well his value, I would not have had him prove himself 
not what I thought him, even if, by so doing, he had staid at 



324 History of Maelboeough. 



home. I wish the necessity were not; l)ut, as it is, if he had 
chosen to stay at home, it would have gone far to prove that 
he was not worth coming. He may live to return a hero, or, 
he may die a martyr. But, in either event, he will have lived 
and done his duty, and he who, when death looks him in the 
face, can say, in truth, I have done my duty, has lived a life- 
time, though the blood of youth still courses through his veins. 

Lovingly, thy son, 

EDWAED H. KETCHAM. 



Camp near Falmouth. :\Iay 12th, 1863. 
My dear Mother: 

I wrote to thee from the Ijattle-field, after we had come out of 
the fight, and telegraphed to thee; and again after we had 
recrossed the river. If thee received either, I, of course, do 
not know; but I will repeat the vital part of both. Jack and 
I are close together once more ; both well and hearty. This old 
camp was, during last winter, a pleasant place. Winter has 
gone, and the quiet and repose, that were then not only endur- 
able but somewhat pleasant are so no longer; and I shall be 
truly glad when we shall leave it, for good; I can bid good bye 
to the old log cabin without regret. Mother, the short cam- 
paign, which we have just passed through was one of hard- 
ship; but, to me, its hardest experience was mere play; I am 
able to stand just such, for six months, without inconvenience. 
God help the army of the Potomac, if we are ever so hard- 
worked that I give out; for there are few that can stand the 
pressure after that. IMother, this time spent here is not lost 
time — I mean I personally sacrifice nothing. I have often 
thought that old age, that has no experience of hardship or 
adventure to fall back on, when the time comes that we live 
in the past as I now do in the future, must be somewhat 
barren. If I come out all right, and do not fail to do my duty, 
just the experience of the last nine months I would not part 
with for all the wealth of New York City. 

It is commonly thought that a soldier's life is rather cal- 
culated to demoralize. I do not believe it. It may appear so 
on the surface ; but there is many a man here in this army, who 
has never thought a serious thought before, who thinks now, 
and, when he goes back to home and friends, he will go back 
to realize that there is something for him to live for besides 
himself. It does men good to suffer for a good cause. Tt some- 



Notes on the March from Falmouth. 325 



how identifies them witli it; and, as one good cause is linked 
with everything else that is good and noble, a man in fighting 
for liberty somehow fights his way to goodness. The general 
effect on the men here will be humanizing, and with peace — 
an honorable one as we mean to win — will come national 
virtue. It is a tough sight, for one who looks only on the 
surface, to see the noblest and the bravest of the land, limping 
and bleeding, and dying, as I saw them on the field of battle. 
But, when you look upon a man who died stoutly doing his 
duty, and can realize that he died to save something better 
than life, it does not seem so awful as it would. It was an 
awful picture we looked upon the other day ; but it had a l^right 
as well as a dark side. There were many brave men who saw 
the last of earth, on that battle-field of ChancellorvillCj and 
many tears will flow, for many a year. But, what are these 
tears, to the bitter ones a mother sheds over an erring son, out 
of whom everything good has died, and only his body lives. 
If we were whipped at Chancellorville, as the Copperheads say 
we were, I think such getting whipped, on our part, will soon 
use up the Confederacy. Their loss must have been fearful; 
for they came up, time after time, right in front of our bat- 
teries, closed en masse, and were just let to come close enough, 
when our guns, double-shotted with grape, would pile them 
in heaps, and send them back, utterly cut to pieces. This was 
not only one occurrence, but it was done over and over again. 
But I must stop. 

Affectionately, thy son, 

EDWAED KETCHAM. 



Notes ox the March from Falmouth. 

14th. — Fell in. and marched to Eappahannock Station ; we 
then rested till daylight. At six o'clock we started and marched 
back to Mount Holly Church, near Kelley's Ford, on the very 
road we had come over the day before; met Jack there, and 
as we lay close together, I spent the day with him. Started at 
sundown, and marched all night, till seven in the morning, 
when we halted at Catlett's Station ; marching thence till we 
got to Eappahannock Station, over the same road which we 
had passed twice before. 

15th. — Halted at Catlett's Station, a distance of eighteen 
miles; lay there till two o'clock, when we marched to ]\Ian- 
nassas Junction, a distance of eleven miles ; making in all we 



326 History of Marlborough, 

marched, thirty miles in about twenty-four hours. Here we 
encamped for the night, or rather ])ivouacked. 

16th. — Lay still until the afternoon, when we moved half 
a mile, and pitched our tents. A day of rest put us in order 
for another march. 

17th. — Started about ten o'clock, and marched about two 
miles, when we halted at Bull Bun Creek, (below the bridge of 
the railroad, said to have been built by Beauregard, to take 
supplies to Centreville.) The bridge above the railroad was 
the scene of the chief fighting in '61. The trees are here 
marked occasionally by bullets and cannon Ijalls. The valley, 
that the stream runs through, is one of the most beautiful I 
ever saw. The trees grow almost as luxuriously as in the 
tropics. One old fellow branches out into ten distinct limbs, 
a few feet above the ground ; any one of the ten might pass for 
a respectable tree. I, as well as half the army here, took a 
good bath ; we rested, and dined under the shade of those old 
trees, as large as giants ; a cool l)reeze was blowing at the time. 
It was hard to think that this beautiful valley was an historic 
one, because of the stream that runs through it once having 
been red with human blood. It is but a few days less than two 
years, since the battle of Bull Run was fought; and now, if I 
did not know it, I could pass through without seeing anything 
to tell that it had ever been else than as peaceful as now. We 
cressed Bull Eun at Blackburn's Ford. 

18th. — Eested, and looked about us. Centreville is, or 
was, a nice little village of a dozen houses; it stands on a 
hill, and the coimtry around reminds me of Chestnut Ridge, 
Dutehess Co. 

19th. — Packed about ten o'clock, and started on the road 
toward Leesburg. We guarded the train of the 3d Corps. I 
had command of the company, and posted one man with every 
■wagon, till the men were used up. We passed through a nice 
country, pretty well wooded. There was good evidence that 
troops had passed through ; though the country had not been 
much disturbed. * * *_ 



Camp near Falmouth, March 15th, 1863. 
Dear Mother 

I enclose this little scrap in Ed's letter. I found, to my 
surprise, when we arrived here, that Ed had been over here at 
our camp, looking for me. * * * -^yg ^j-g camped in a 
beautiful piece of wood, " i. e." it was, before it was made for 



Edwaed's Last Lettee to His Mother. 327 



a camp ; Imt eonsideral)ly chewed up now. A road runs before 
our compauv street; the mud is just even with the tops of your 
boots when you step in it; six mules have to look sharp to get 
along with a light load ; and either side of the road the soil is 
as nice and dry as the " long pond " w^oods in summer. There 
is no discount on Virginia mud; it takes about a pint of water 
and a little mixing, to make a cart load of it, about like graft- 
ing wax. It is grand soil here : not a stone to be found in 
miles; very little swamp; nice hills and valleys; but all covered 
with pine forest ; some splendid white-wood. This is l:)Ound to 
be a fine country yet; a splendid farming country, I have ]io 
doul)t. very different from the Iianks of the Potomac west of 
Washington. * * * j ^..^^^ hardly realize yet that I am 
with the grand army ; it is like Yankee Doodle, who could not 
see the town, there were so many houses. Get up on a hill, 
though, and you see cities and towns and villages of white tents 
on every hill-side. The army, I should suppose, covers an 
area of fifty square miles, so we cannot see much of it. I saw 
the flag at general head-quarters, opposite Fredericksburg, the 
other night, in a splendid sunset, from where I stood ; the sun 
set just behind the flag; somehow I was reminded of Whittier's 
lines — 

" We wait, beneath the furnace bhist. 

The pangs of transformation ; 
Not painlessly does God recast. 

And mould anew, the nation!" 

although l)y what I could not tell, unless by the lurid color of 
the sky, the black clouds, and the old banner sailing so bravely 
on their background. 

Good night Mother ; take good care of thyself, and be of 
good cheer. Aunt Sarah wrote me, thee bears thy grief, as 
I knew thee would, and does not sink down under it, as others, 
who did not know thee as well as I do, thought thee would. 
Keep good courage while the good fight lasts, and I pray 
God to help thee, and to make me equal to the work before 
me. * * * 

Love to all, 

JOHN". 



Edward's Last Lettee to His Mother. 

" Gum Springs," June 23rd, 1863. 
We are still at this place ; I think we shall probably stay a 
day or two ; I have not vet heard from John since the fighting 



328 History of Marlborough. 



on the 17th; but his regiment was engaged. There was more 
fighting on the day before yesterday. I have not yet heard 
if his regiment was in it. I know well, if he was, he did his 
duty, and hope he is all right. I tried mighty hard to get a 
paper yesterday; Init could not; so, without knowing, I hope 
for the best, — which is certainly the best way. I expect Mil- 
ton is now dressed in its garments of purple and green, .the 
dress it wears in June; and among its green leaves and bright 
flowers, the young almost forget that, down here in Old Vir- 
ginia, men are marching and fighting and dying, and thinking 
of home and friends. But there are few that can think of the 
M^ar without thinking of some friend tramping through the 
valleys and over the hills of old Virginia. Pshaw! we don't 
need pity; I am talking nonsense. It is only the young and 
strong at home, who feel that this fight needs their help, while 
circumstances they cannot control keep them away, that are 
deserving pity ! 

I have just seen Captain Mann, on his way to Washington. 
He was wounded very seriously in the day before yesterday's 
fight. Jack was not hurt in either fight. The mail is just 
going. 

Thy son, 

EDWARD H. KETCHAM. 



Frederick City, July 8th, 1863. 
Dear Mother: 

I telegraphed to thee as soon as I could, and wrote about 
Edward. I cannot realize that he is dead. Don't let it kill 
thee, mother ! Thee and I are all that is left of us. Edward 
was the first man killed in the regiment. They were lying on 
the ground, behind a little hill, in front of our batteries, mak- 
ing a part of the outer line of battle. It is always necessary 
in such times for some one to keep a lookout, to watch the 
movements of the enemy. As the men all lay on their faces, 
Edward was sitting up to look ; a sharpshooter's bullet probably 
struck him in the temple, and went through his head. He put 
up his hand, and said: "Oh!" and fell on his elbow, quite 
dead. There Avas heavy fighting on the ground soon after, and 
our forces had possession of the field for a short time. Ed's 
body was carried back a couple of hundred yards, and left 



John's Letter on Edwaed's Death. 329 

under a tree. I heard of it the next morning, and went to the 
regiinent, and got a man to go with me, who helped to carry 
him off; he showed me where he hiy. It was outside of our 
breastworks forty or fifty yards, and a couple of hundred 
beyond our outer line of sharpshooters. I went out to them 
but could not get beyond; for a bullet would whistle by, the 
moment a man showed himself. I lay down behind a big rock. 
The body of Green Carle, of the 120th, lay there, horribly muti- 
lated. They said he had lived two or three hours after he was 
struck. Whilst I lay there, two rebel batteries commenced to 
play on ours. I never imagined such a thunder as the- firing 
made; there were twenty-four cannon at work, and the shells 
burst over our heads, fifty feet or more; one or two men were 
liurt near me^, and the limbs of the trees dropped occasionally. 
I then took a musket, thinking I would stay with the infantry, 
till they advanced, as I was not needed with the department, it 
being with the mule train; the rest of our regiment was at 
Washington. Pretty soon the reljels came out from their 
works, in heavy force, and advanced in line. Our batteries 
commenced to mow them down, and the men lay down until 
in close range; then the outer line raised up, and the two lines 
fought, without either moving from their place. It was a 
grand, but terrible sight ! The rebels concentrated on one part 
of our line, and pressed it back, to charge our breastworks ; our 
flanks closed in on them, and hundreds were driven in, pris- 
oners, while the rest ran back to their lines like sheep. One 
poor fellow came in just by me; the first words he said were, 
" Gentlemen, I do this because I am forced to." He was a 
pleasant, harmless-looking fellow, as are one half of them; the 
other half look like wild beasts. At this time, the 120th came 
up, and I went with them. I went out at night, to look for 
Edward, but could not find him. The next morning our line 
advanced, and I went out to the tree; and there, on his back, 
his hands peacefully on his breast, lay all that was left of the 
brother I have lived so closely with, all my life. When I had 
been separated from him a few weeks, I have known when I 
met him, how closely I was knit to him. On this earth I will 
never meet him again ! His features, though discolored and 
swollen, had an expression I have seen on them before — peace- 
ful rest. He had lain thirty-six hours on the field, with the 
roaring of cannon and bursting of shells over him, and the feet 
of contending hosts, of darkness and freedom, trampling the 
ground he lay on. Wlien I got him, I brought him in through 



330 History of Marlborough. 

the batteries, and laid him down under a tree. A Captain of 
one of the batteries said to me, " If he were a brother of mine, 
I would bury him on the field of his glory." He was very kind, 
and sent me men to dig the grave. In a little grove behind 
the batteries, under an oak tree, in his soldier's uniform, 
wrapped in a shelter-tent, lies all the earthly remains of my 
brother; "he has gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord." 
And mother, thee and I walk this world of sorrow. I set for 
his head-stone a piece of a young oak, cut off by a rebel shell, 
and marked his name and regiment. Mother, yet a little time 
thee and I have to walk this earth, when we compare it to the 
great eternity beyond, where father and Edward are gone 
before us. 

Oh, he was cut down in the very morning of his manhood ! 
He is laid a sacrifice on the altar of Liljerty ! 

He died to give to every other man the right to his own man- 
hood — a precious sacrifice — for in him were heroism, a brave 
heart, and an iron will. He died, as he would have died — 
with his face toward the enemies of freedom, on the battle-field. 
Edward has marched many a weary mile; he has lain on the 
wet, cold ground, with nothing over him, long niglits, with the 
rain pouring on him, and never murmured ; he has lain and 
shivered in the snow and slush, all long winter nights, after 
weary marches, hungry, perhaps, or after eating a few hard 
crackers, and a little raw meat ; and, in his discomfort he has 
never wished for home ; except, perhaps, to look forward to 
that bright day when the reljellion should be crushed, and lie 
should return home, war-worn, and covered with his well worn 
honors. That day, alas ! he can never see. Oh, God, Thy 
price for freedom is a dear one ! 

JOHX. 



Xear Sharpsburg, July 12th, 1863. 
Dear Mother, 

I suppose thee has read either one or the other of my four 
letters, and the telegram al)out Edward. Keep heart and 
courage, mother; he has only gone beyond us. It is a com- 
fort to think, that his suffering was so short. He must have 
been conscious an instant, for he spoke in his natural voice and 
said, "Oh!" (not an involuntary groan) put his hand to his 
forehead and fell on his elbow dead. One instant of terrible 
pain, and the life which he loved, as all strong men do, faded 



John's Letter on Edward's Death. 331 



from his sense, and was changed for the great Hereafter, when 
all hmnan imperfection is changed for perfection. Brother, 
our paths through life have run side by side, divergmg, but to 
join again. Xow, you have the better part, above the petty 
strifes ^of this life. All that is glorious and noble is yours, 
while I must mingle with earthly scenes, till your life^ fades 
into memory, and perhaps memory fades into shadow. Surely, 
God in his^nercv cannot let the life we have lived together 
be no more; but 'm the great Hereafter, the life that has been 
shall live again in memorv, fresh as the present. Edward! 
your love for me was strong, strong for your younger brother, 
as your own great, strong, brave heart, and I have taken it as 
I do the sunshine, and thought to have you V)y me always ; but 
we are divided now. I am yet of the earth, while your name 
is on the long roll of honor — one of those whom God has con- 
sidered worthy to be sacrificed. You were cut do^^^l in the 
morning of manhood, strong and brave heart. You never 
flinched from danger. T know, in your great love for me, you 
wHl be with me if I go in danger, and inspire me with your 
spirit, that I mav do my whole duty without flinching and 
without fear. In the morning of life, your blood has been shed 
for the right of every man to upright manhood — that the 
poor slave-mother mav hold her child to her bosom without 
fear of the driver. ^^Iv poor, broken, widowed mother has given 
her first and noblest son. Oh, God have mercy on her ! Thou, 
" who doest all things well." Your body rests on the field of 
glory. Your name is on that roll of the noble dead to which 
posteritv must bow down, and thank in reverence. 

Xapoleon told his soldiers, at the Pyramids, Centuries look 
down from the tops of these Pyramids. Forty centuries look 
down upon you! Y"es ! but, from the mountain over your 
head, the thunder of our cannon, hurling death to the rebels 
before you — from the top of that mountain, overlooking the 
field of " Gettysburg — our great free nation, (yet to be,) looked 
down and saw vou when you fell, and will hold your name in 
grateful honor, 'for all time to come!— better than the^ golden 
letter Napoleon wrote to immortalize his victims. You are 
one of the noblest dead who died for Freedom, and the feet 
of freemen shall tread the soil you fell on, for all time to come. 
A little mound, on the battle-field, covers all that is left of my 
brother, a noble fellow as ever drew the breath of life. As 
Christ " died to make men holy," he has " died to make men 
free." Have his picture, in his soldier's uniform, copied like 
thine and father's, and, under the glass, fold his commission 



332 History of Maklboeough. 



and the ragged shoulder-strap I cut from him; hang under it 
his broken sword, and write : 

"A SOLDIER IN THE AEMY OF THE LOED." 

Now, I pray the battle soon to be fought may be decisive, and 
that I mav return to be a little comfort to thc^. 

JOHN. 



The Last Letter John Wrote to His Mother. 

Harper's Ferry, July 18th, 1863. 
Dear Mother, 

I have heard nothing from thee since Edward's death, until 
two days ago. I had a letter from Nehe, and then, July 8th, 
you had heard he was wounded. I do not know hardly whether 
to suppose thee is alive or not. My comfort is, that Edward 
died as becomes a man, his face towards the enemies of free- 
dom. I know that, though he loved his life dearly as any 
man, yet, had he foreseen the result when he first thought of 
going to the war, it would not have made a particle of differ- 
ence with him ; Init he would have walked to certain death 
without flinching. I can do or say nothing to comfort my poor 
stricken mother. In thy boundless love for thy children, thy 
bereavement is more than mine, lonely and sad as I am, 
" wretch even now, life's journey just begun." 

Harper's Ferry ! How much, since the great page of this 
people's life-history was opened, is here. That long old row 
of lilackened walls was "the Arsenal, from which John Brown 
thundered out the challenge to a life and death struggle. 
Eetrilnition visited upon the oppressor; sacrifice of the best 
and noblest to atone for our wrongs upon the helpless; lines 
of earthworks, overlooking Maryland heights ; white tents, 
houses battered by shot and shell into heaps of ruins, in the 
field where I am sitting; pontoons across the river; and the 
old battered and worn-out army, thinned out to one-fourth of 
the men who first buckled on the knapsack, crossing again into 
Virginia, to grapple with its old enemy, to lay the l)ones of its 
best and bravest before the breastworks and riflepits of the yet 
formidal)le rebels ! — all the long story of weary suffering, and 
the woe of five hundred Ijattles ! and here we stand as evenly- 
matched as ever, and they on chosen ground, as ever. I don't 
overlook the great blows struck by Grant at Yicksburg, and 
perhaps others, before this, at Charleston, which lead to the 
hope, almost, that the great price is nearly paid, and the work 



The Last Letter John Wrote to His Mother. 333 



nearly clone. I wrote tliee I avouIcI resign if events occurred 
that showed the war nearly over; but surely thee would not 
have me back out from this glorious struggle, while the chances 
hang in the balance. Go home ! and leave these weary war- 
worn men to fight for blessings I should enjoy? these weary 
men, who have fought and suffered so hard and long, addicted 
to every vice, almost, individually, but cowardice or meanness. 
I have seen them struggle, through mud and rain, after the de- 
feat at Chancellorville, back to the cheerless ruins of their old 
camps. I have seen them making long and weary marches 
along the dusty road, to foil the advance of Lee across the 
Eappahanock, then, forced marches to Manassas, all day long 
without water; then, I have seen long columns pushing for- 
ward, with tireless energy, to meet the enemy at Gettysburg; 
then, marching, day and night, to cut off the retreating foe, 
and now coming here, to this old historic spot, dark again into 
the dark valley and shadow of death, never halting or mur- 
muring, ever ready to lay down their lives, as their comrades 
have done. I have heard them groaning in agony, wounded, 
jolted over rough road, or carried by their comrades, or lying 
on the battle field, between the lines, begging to be taken out 
of more danger. I have seen mangled and torn masses knocked 
out of the shape of men. I have seen ragged uniforms of 
United States soldiers, bursting from the black and swollen 
bodies, as they lay in ditches by the road side, rotting in the 
sun. " Blessed are they that endure to the end." I am no 
such soldier as my brother was ; but I trust I have manhood 
enough to stand with this army of the Lord until its victory 
is sure. I entered the vineyard but at the eleventh hour. I 
can, perhaps, do but little, but, while the result hangs in the 
balance, I know, in thy heart of hearts, thee is glad that I am 
one of this army, and where is heard the tramp of their march- 
ing feet, there am I. I am glad tx» hear, from thy letter, that 
cousins Y. Hallock and T. Sherman have gone for Edward's 
body. I know it woiild have been his wish; it is but a small 
satisfaction, l)ut I could not have done even that. Bear up a 
little longer, my poor bereaved mother. 

Thy only son, 

JOHX. 



334 History of Marlborough. 



NEHEMIAH HALLOCK MANN. 



Born in Littleton, N. J., July twentieth, eighteen hundred and 
thirty-seven, entered the service of his country, as a private 
in the Lincoln Cavalry, eighteen hundred and sixty-two; 
commissioned Second Lieuteiiant, September ninth, eigh- 
teen hundred and sixty-two; commissioned Captain Co. M, 
Fourth N. Y. Cavalry, April second, eighteen hundred and 
sixty-three; hilled at Cedarville, Va., August eighteenth, 
eighteen hundred and sixty-four; buried on the battle-field; 
remains suhsequently re-interred in the Friend's Burial 
Ground, at Milton, N. Y. 

Capt. Mann was a cousin of the Ketcliam brothers ; 
he was in the same regiment with John, and a letter, 
from John to his mother, better illustrates the man 
than anything that might now be said of him. 

Gum Springs, June 23rd, 1863. 
Dear Mother: 

I have just seen Captain Mann, off to Washington Hos- 
pital. I suppose, before this reaches thee, thee will have 
heard of the affair; for I telegraphed to Sarah, his sister, to 
join him there. He was charging, at the head of the regi- 
ment, just this side of Upperville, near the entrance of Ashby's 
Gap. After being driven back, the Captain called for the boys 
to follow him, and went in ahead himself. The boys followed, 
but not close enough to prevent his being engaged with about 
a dozen at him at once, he says. One fellow gave him a cut on 
his cheek, which knocked him from his horse; then, as he lay 
helpless on the ground, another shot him ; the l)all entering near 
the point of the left shoulder, and, cutting, under the ribs, 
lodged in the muscles of the left breast. The doctors think he 
may recover; but I don't think it worth while to deny that his 
wounds are dangerous. He had just come out with the regi- 
ment, for the first time ; having l)een in charge of a large dis- 
mounted camp. The night before the day of battle, his com- 
pany were in high glee at his arrival. On the morning of the 
fight, I think he looked finer than I ever saw him — without 
exception, the finest soldier I have ever seen, with none of the 
brutality so common in the military character. I would give 



Nehemiah Hallock Mann. 335 



more for Captain Mann, commanding a l^rigade, than any 
general I have seen — except, perhaps, Killpatrick, who fre- 
quently charges with the boys of our regiment. I have no 
doubt Captain Mann would command a brigade of cavalry, 
with the science he learned as an orderly, with as much ease 
and grace as if he had been accustomed to it for a lifetime. 
He was in command of a squadron that morning, and when we 
were ordered to charge a blockaded bridge, which a rebel colonel 
we captured told us they expected to hold all day, and the 
regiment stopped, under the fire of cannon and sharpshooters, 
behind walls and trees, horses and men dropping, and bullets 
whistling around — Captain Mann sat calmly on his horse, 
knowing the enemy were singling him out, until he got orders 
to dismount his squadron and clear the bridge, with the car- 
bine. Then he took a carbine, and led the men over the bridge 
in three minutes. Such men as John Paul Jones and Ethan 
Allen were made of the same stuff as he. His charge released 
General Killpatrick, who was taken prisoner through the fault 
of two regular regiments of cavalry. Three platoons of our 
squadron, Xehe's, Captain Hall's, and mine, were sent out in 
an open field, of fifty acres or so, facing a wood, in front of 
Upperville. We deployed as skirmishers, over half a mile, per- 
haps, and advanced towards the woods. When near there, a 
column of rebels charged on our center, driving in the skir- 
mishers — the single column followed l)y column in squadron 
front. Our forces advanced, the two regiments, and the rebels 
went back in the woods. When near the woods the regulars 
commenced charging across, in front of the woods; the rebs 
came out, formed, facing the flank. General Killpatrick rode 
towards the line, and tried to turn the regulars in that direc- 
tion ; but on they went, pell mell, until they all got by them — 
the rebs after them — and took Killpatrick. Keep hope and 
courage, mother, and all Xehe's dear friends. His voice will 
soon be heard where it is needed — on the field of battle. Be 
«f good cheer, high hope, and courage always. 

Lovingly, 

JOHI^. 

Captain Mann was a soldier of commanding appear- 
ance,— six feet three in height, straight, well-pro- 
portioned and strong. There was no finer-looking 
man in the regiment, nor none braver,— always 
ready for duty and always taking the place of danger ; 



336 History of Marlboeough. 

no soldier was asked to go where lie would not go, and 
while leading a charge at Cedarville, Va., he was shot 
through the heart. The writer well remembers him 
as a schoolmate, as being kiudhearted and g^enerous, 
faithful and true, a young man of excellent habits, 
a good student, a dutiful and kind son, and respected 
by all. 

These three soldiers were the great-grandchildren 
of Edward Hallock, heretofore spoken of, and they 
all lie buried near together with three small monu- 
ments marking their graves, and surrounded by the 
graves of their ancestors for many generations, in 
the Friends' burial ground, at Milton, N, Y. ; three 
young men, who, had they lived, were destined to be 
among the foremost men in the county and state, — 
cut down in their youth and usefulness, snatched from 
their relatives and friends without a moment's notice, 
buried on the field of their glory, and afterward 
among their departed kindred ; dying in the cause of 
their country while upholding the flag and sustain- 
ing the unity of the nation; — such was the fate of 
these three Milton boys. 

After the body of John Ketcham was brought home, 
a great concourse of people assembled at his funeral, 
and perhaps we cannot do better than to give the 
words spoken at the luirial by that great orator, Rev. 
0. B. Frothingham. 

Friends: I have come here to-day as to a sacred place; as 
a pilgrim comes to a shrine. I have come to visit the home 
of the noble young man whose remains are coffined here, to see 
the spot where he lived, the house where he was born, the mother 
who held him to her bosom, the neighbors and friends he loved. 
I have come to receive a lesson, not to give one ; to be taught, 
not to teach; to be comfort.ed, not to comfort. Better than any 
speech of mine i? tlie silent thought on these relics, and on all 
they have passed throug'i, since the stalwart and' beautiful 
frame to which they beloaged left your peaceful hills for the 
camp and the battle-field, What a strange history for such a 



Words Spoken at the Burial. 337 

man I Beaten up and down by all the storms of war, borne 
hither and thither by the changeful movement of the army, 
blackened by the sun and Ijleached l)y the frost, exposed to all 
the mutations of the weather, pinched with hunger, stiffened 
with cold, drenched with dew and rain, hardened by toil, wasted 
by fever, watching in the saddle, sleeping on the ground, be- 
grimed by smoke and powder, a mark for sabre-cut and for 
rifle-ball, sick in hospital, captive in prison, dying among ene- 
mies, buried, with no shroud but his cloak, in hostile soil, 
lifted from the ground, coffined and brought hither at last, to 
repose in peace by the side of his elder l)rother, and in sight 
of the doorway through which he had so often passed; this 
body tells a touching and solemn story of toil, fatigue, suffer- 
ing, peril, and death ; Iiut also of patience, fortitude, bravery, 
cheerfulness, the devotion of a generous, pure and earnest 
heart. 

I cannot utter words of common consolation here. There 
are all the usual consolations, and more. There is the thought 
of the Infinite God, just and loving, of the kind and tender 
Providence, which allows nothing to be wasted, which picks 
up the fragments of our broken existence, ties together 1he 
loose threads of our activity, arranges our life-plan, makes 
good the imperfection of our labor, and perfects itself in our 
weakness, suffering not even the little ones to perish, and per- 
mitting no good hope to fail ; there is the thought of a vast 
hereafter, where every life sliall be made complete. These 
consolations are for all in ordinary times ; for those wht)se 
friends are cut off by untimely accident, if we may speak of 
imtimeliness or accident in this world of God's; for those whose 
dear ones die of their own ignorance, error, foolishness, and 
vice. For these friends of ours we have more than this ; the 
sympathy of a great multitude, the fellowship of an immense 
company of noble mourners, the tender respect and love of 
strangers, the recognition of a country, the unspoken, perhaps 
unconscious, gratitude of those ready to perish. The memory 
of such a career, of such a character, is alone consolation suffi- 
cient for more than ordinary grief. What greater comfort 
could there be for a mother than to have had even one such 
son? To be recognized and honored as the mother of such? 
To live in their reflected light and glory? \Yhen I think of 
mothers I know, who sit mourning for boys cut off in their 
prime by some fate Avhich finished their career before their 
career had well liegun ; when I think of other mothers, who sit 
mourning for beautiful boys who have dug their own graves 



338 History of Marlborough. 

by dissipation ; and of mothers yet, who are ready to pray kind 
death to take their boys away from temptation before they sink 
under it, body and soul; this widowed mother, sitting by two 
such graves as these, with a heart full of such memories, seems 
to be blessed above the rest ; yes, above thousands whose sons 
are living at their side. 

A friend, last summer, read me a letter from a young man 
in the army of the Potomac, written to his mother after the 
Battle of Chancellorsville. It was the elder brother of him 
whose remains lie here. Early in the war the hearts of both 
burned to take part in the conflict for what they believed to be 
the cause of liberty, truth and justice among men. The elder 
went ; the younger stayed, to support and comfort his mother. 
Presently came brave letters from the camp, telling of the life 
there, presenting the most encouraging aspects of it, for the 
sake of the dear ones at home, making light of the privations, 
hardships and perils, and showing how the pure purpose of the 
heart was deepening, how the manly character was ripening, 
under circumstances that are usually considered to be fatal to 
all sweetness and tenderness of nature. The soul of the 
younger brother was stirred by these words from the camp and 
the field. He felt that he must go. His mother pleads, his 
brother remonstrates, saying what such a man would say about 
duty at home, the mother's loneliness, the chances of battle, 
and the fearful thing it would be were l)oth to die — Imt say- 
ing too, in an undertone which was felt, not seen in the writing 
— " Well, it is a great cause, and good men are needed in it, 
and it is no wonder that every high-minded man is eager to 
do his part." And John followed Edward ; left the hills, the 
homestead, the farm, the sorrowing mother, the delights of his 
quiet, tranquil life. 

Letters came now from both boys; letters that suggested — 
though their writers knew nothing of it and did not suspect 
it — the good they must be doing in the camp by their courage, 
their obedience, their high tone of loyalty, not less by the 
purity and temperance and manly simplicity of their example. 
Brave we knew they were ; ready, faithful, unflinching, unmur- 
muring. At Gettysburg the elder brother falls. The younger 
searches the bloody miles of battle-ground for the body, finds 
it after many hours among the slain, bears it in his arms a 
mile to a quiet resting-place, whence it is removed to be borne 
northward l:)y tender liands, and laid, in the gorgeous mid- 
summer, ])eneath the trees he loved so well. 

Letters now from one brother again, telling the bereaved 



Words Spoken at the Burial. 339 



mother that he was unhurt and well ; that he should come back- 
to her soon; that Edward's spirit was about him and would 
ward off the balls; and in the future would be al)out them both, 
and help them along the rest of their way. 

But exposure, work, sorrow, brought sickness; weeks of 
^ miserable sickness in the hospital, a sigh for the invigorating 
breath of these hills, and for a cheering sight of his old friends. 
But the bugle was ringing outside; his brave fellows were mak- 
ing ready for the charge ; he leaves the hospital, full of courage 
as^ever, but too feeble in Ijody to take the field ; for a fortnight, 
daily, he is out, wrapped in smoke and dust; narrowly escaping 
from death, as he rallies his men, he is taken prisoner. Still, 
from the horriljle Eichmond prison, come the letters, brave and 
-uncomplaining; he is unwounded, he is safe now from danger 
in battle; he has strength to bear him through; he needs but 
a few comforts, blankets, clothing; he is not treated harshly. 
Poor fellow! he is dying from exhaustion. He goes to the 
hospital for a few days; he goes in the afternoon; the next 
morning he is dead in his bed. 

It was long before this brother found his way homeward; 
the mother's heart was getting tired with waiting; but he is 
here at last ; and we are here, to be honored l)y the presence of 
his remains. 

For what was this young life given away? For what were 
this sweet home, this pleasant existence, these tranquil pursuits, 
this dear mother resigned? For what were all these cares and 
toils and sorrows borne? Not for himself; not that he might 
be richer, greater, more famous ; not in pride or vindictiveness, 
or young love of adventure; Imt that the poor blacks of the 
South, whom he knew not, and who knew not him — the poor 
blacks, to whom the very name of man had been denied — the 
beaten, treated as the off'scouring of the earth, might have their 
human rights; for these, whom he never saw, he died, with a 
faith as simple and a devotion as pure as ever man had, count- 
ing what he did as little, remembering only what he ought to 
do. Unpretending, unambitious, with the heart of a little child 
and the conscience of a Christian man, he lived and died for a 
principle. 

It is a strange sight, the coffin of a soldier, wrapped in a 
battle-flag, lying in a Friends' meeting house. He was edu- 
cated a Friend, and was in spirit, to the end, one of that peace- 
ful brotherhood, who abhor violence, and blood-shedding, and 
war. Comfort yourselves, oh, Friends! with the thought that 
he preserved that pious abhorrence as sacredly as you do. He 



340 History of Maklborough. 

Avas a lover of peace ; he Avent out in the hoi}- cause of peace^ 
as a peacemaker. Not to make war or to continue war, but to 
put an end to war; to die himself, if need were, by the hand 
of war, that war might cease. To make war in his country 
forever impossible, by eradicating human slavery, its perma- 
nent cause, he took up arms. There seemed no other way of 
doing it. He would thankfully have used -other means, had 
other means l^een permitted. Accepting these, he prayed al- 
ways for the quiet rest he hoped these would bring. You need 
not l)e afraid of shocking your principles by receiving him here 
from battle. His spirit would do no violence to the saintliest 
communion. Do we hate war less in these days than formerly? 
N'av, friends, we hate it, if possible, a thousand times more, 
and we hate slavery ten thousand times more, when we see 
them, father and son, doing such deeds as this. 

(), my friends, the time is coming, the time is surely com- 
ing, when all they who went down into this great struggle will 
be held in honor hj all lovers of order and peace ; when they 
who have lost arm or leg in it will be looked at with profound 
respect ; when they who have come out of it riven or scarred 
will be counted among the beautiful ; Avhen they who, like this 
young man, have died in it, with a noble sense of its signifi- 
cance, will 1)0 reckoned among the martyrs of God's truth. 
The time will come, when they who have sent husband, son, 
brother, lover, into this struggle, will be cherished in grateful 
remembrance. 

Yes, when they who have suffered in it, in any wise, even 
with no high sentiment of its grandeur, and no high purpose 
in their death, will yet be Avrapped about Avith its sanctifying 
glory. Then Ave, Avho have done nothing, Avho have but given 
a fcAv of our superfluous dollars, who have but preached what 
others ought to do, Avill apologize for our Avell-preserved health 
and beauty, and Avill be glad to hide our shame Ijehind the form 
of some hero of our l)lood. 

It is sad to see so much young manhood laid Ioav in its 
bloom, and laid Ioav l)y that barbarian. War, pushed on by his 
more loathsome brother — Slavery. But Ave must not be nar- 
roAv in judging the issues of a human life. Who can tell how 
existence may be more profitably spent? Who can decide what 
is the most effectual doing? Providence decides all that for 
us, and makes every earnest man do his Avork, Avherever he is, 
and AA'hether he live longer or shorter. Had our young friend 
lived, he would have been knoAvn and beloved among -these hills, 
and, doubtless, Avould have made the force of his character felt 



Recruiting for the 120th Regiment. 341 



by his neighbors. A good son, a faithful friend, a useful towns- 
nmn, a sincere, honest, humane man, he would have lived and 
died here, in the quiet, and the little stream of his existence 
would have fed the moral life of his generation, only as one 
of your mountain rivulets feeds the Atlantic Ocean. The 
heroic quality in him would have slumbered ; his power of sacri- 
fice would have been uncalled for, his example of pure patriot- 
ism would have been lost. Xow he is known by many, to whom 
personally he was a stranger. He is respected and loved by 
some who never would have heard of him. He has exhibited 
many qualities of the highest order, where men could see them. 
He has shed a virtue abroad in the camp. He has read lessons 
of duty to some whom he would hardly have thought of in- 
structing. For my own part, though 1 never saw him, I grate- 
fully confess my deljt to him for a fresh belief in the nobleness 
of nature, for a more living faith in man, for a fresh con- 
viction of the worth of a simple fidelity to principle, for a new 
sense of the sublimity of sacrifice. For me he has done much 
by his living, and by his dying. Yes, my brother! they tell 
me that words of mine helped to show you the significance of 
this struggle, and did something to deepen in your heart the 
purpose that has brought you thus early to the grave. You 
have richly repaid the debt. You have shown me the signifi- 
cance of a good man's deed, and, I hope, have deepened in my 
heart a purpose that will help me to nobler life. 

But we have said too much, we have broken too long and too 
impertinently the sacred silence. We should have allowed him 
to speak more. Had he l)eon able to speak, he would have 
rebuked us for praising what he did in the sincerity of his 
lieart, because he could not help it, and under pain of self- 
condemnation had left it undone. Let us lay what is left of 
his poor body in the ground, and think of him as living and 
v\'orking on; for in the future time, when sweet peace shall 
come back to us, he will live and work in the pure sentiments 
hie has aided in strengthening, and in the noble institutions 
lie has died to establish. 



Recruiting for the 120th Regiment. 

An important part of this work fell to the lot of Col. 
George H. Sharpe, who, by the appointment of the 
Governor of the State, was to command the regiment 
about to be raised. Col. Sharpe had commanded a 
company in the regiment of three months' men, which 



342 History of Marlborough. 

had gone forth from Kingston shortly after the fall 
of Fort Sumpter, and his experience in that campaign 
served to adapt him more fully to the more responsi- 
ble command he was now called to assume. He en- 
tered actively and earnestly upon the task of recruit- 
ing, holding meetings almost daily in the several sec- 
tions of the county and addressing large audiences 
drawn together by interest in the country's cause. 
These meetings were at times addressed by other in- 
fluential citizens of the county, who placed country 
before party, and by the fervor of their appeals 
swelled rapidly the number of recruits and raised to 
a higher pitch the loyal zeal and ardor of the people. 
An occasional exception was found to the enthusi- 
asm with which these meetings stood ready to greet 
the speakers who, throughout the country, came with 
appeals for more volunteers. One of these excep- 
tions was at a well-known village generally considered 
to be foremost in patriotic action. The people there 
owing to certain reasons and influences, not easy to 
define or understand, and which soon passed away, 
seemed at first indifferent to the duty of contributing 
to the cause by personal enlistments. A meeting had 
been called to be held in the evening, and Col. Sharpe 
upon arriving in the afternoon and consulting with 
the leading men of the locality was informed that the 
meeting would undoubtedly be well attended, but 
there was no i^rospect of any enlistments, and the 
attempt to get them there might as well be aliandoned. 
The meeting did prove to be a very large one and the 
enthusiasm gradually rose to a very high pitch. Col. 
Sharpe in the course of liis speech stated the result 
of his interview with the leading men of the town in 
the afternoon. He said that he had been given to 
understand that in the regiment to be raised that 
locality would not be represented. He had always 
had a high opinion of the courage and enthusiasm of 



Recruiting for the 120th Regiment. 343 



its citizens, and rather than leave the town without 
representation in the regiment, he proposed to return 
to Governor Morgan his commission as colonel, and 
to enlist as a private for that locality in order that 
the whole county might be represented. He was fol- 
lowed by one or two strong addresses from prominent 
citizens, and at the close of the meeting seven young 
men came forward to enlist, and their example was 
soon followed by a sufficient number to authorize the 
issuing of a commission to a young man of the same 
town, who finally fell at the head of his men on one of 
the most memorable battlelields of the war. 

The above is an account of the public meeting held 
at Milton. Edward H. Ketcham had received au- 
thority to recruit for a company of his regiment, and 
when he should obtain a certain number of recruits 
he was to be commissioned Second Lieutenant. At 
first he had very ])Oor success, and at his earnest 
solicitation Col. Sliarpe came down to assist liim and 
the above-mentioned meeting was held with good 
success and Ketcham soon obtained his commission 
and was killed the first day of the battle of Gettys- 
burg. William J. Purdy afterward received author- 
ity to recruit for the 156th Regiment being formed in 
this county in the latter part of 1862. He enlisted 
about twenty-five men in the town and received his 
commission as Second Lieutenant in that regiment. 
The balance of the enlistments from this town were 
scattered among at least twenty different organiza- 
tions and in different departments and different ser- 
vices. Many were killed, wounded or taken prison- 
ers, and some of the missing have never been heard 
from. 

From the best estimates that can be made, there 
are not to exceed tw^enty still alive, of whom not more 
than ten are now living in the town, of all the men 
from this town who enlisted in the Union army. 
There were very few enlistments in the navv. 



344 History of Marlborough. 

Special Election to Eaise Money for War Purposes. 

The following is a record of the proceedings of a 
special town meeting held in 1864 to provide money 
to pay a bounty to men w^io would enlist: 

Town of Maiiborougli, "l 
Ulster County. " J ^'* 
At a sijecial town meeting held at the hotel of Samuel H. 
Kniliin in the town of Marlboro in Ulster County on '.:he 
thirty-first clay of August, 18G±, pursuant to a public notice 
given by the Town Clerk of said town. Present : Isaac Staples 
and Charles C. Merritt Justices of the Peace, and A. M. Cav- 
erly having been duly appointed clerk, for the purpose of rais- 
ing money by tax on said town to pay a town bounty to all 
those who go to fill the quota under the last call of the Presi^ 
dent for five hundred tliousand men etc. 

The following resolution was adopted at said meet- 
ing previous to the opening of the polls on said day, 
viz. :. 

Eesolved that there be two hundred and fifty dollars raised 
by tax on tlie town of Marlboro as town bounty for all those 
who go to fill the quota for said town, under the President's last 
call for five hundred thousand men. 

The above resolution was also voted on by ballot 
with the following result, viz : 

The whole number of votes given for and against the same 
was one hundred and ninety-three, of which the whole number 
to raise two hundred and fifty dollars was one hundred and 
seventy-seven; and of which the whole nmnber against raising 
two hundred and fifty dollars was fourteen, and of which there 
M^ere two votes given to raise four hundred dollars. 

We certify that the foregoing statement is correct in all re- 
spects. 

Dated this thirty-first day of August 1864. 

A. M. CAVEELY 

Clerk 

ISAAC STAPLES 
CHAELES C. MEEEITT 

Justices of the Peace. 



Election to Raise Money for War Purposes. 345 



Town of Marlborough, 
Ulster County. J 

At a special towTi meeting held at the hotel of Jacob Madison 
in the Town of Marlboro in the County of Ulster and State of 
Xew York on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1864, pur- 
suant to a public notice given by the Town Clerk of said town. 
Present: Isaac Staples and Charles C. Merritt, Justices of the 
Peace, and Abner M. Caverly having been duly appointed sworn 
as clerk, for the purpose of raising money by tax on said town 
to pay a town bounty to all those who shall go to fill the quota 
under the last call of the President for five hundred thousand 
men etc. 

The following resolutions were adopted previous 
to the opening of the polls on said day, viz.: 

Kesolved that a resolution passed at a special town meeting 
held at the house of Samuel H. Kniifin in the Town of ]\Iarl- 
boro on the 31st day of August, 1861, to wit: 

Eesolved that there be two hundred and fifty dollars raised 
by tax on the Town of Marlboro as town bounty for all those 
who go to fill the quota for said town under the President's 
last call for five hundred thousand men etc. And the same 
is hereby rescinded and the following resolution was passed in 
its stead : 

Eesolved that the sum of $500 be raised by tax on the Town 
of Marlboro as towTi bounty to be paid to each volunteer that 
shall go to fill the quota for the said town under the last call of 
the President for five hundred thousand volunteers and that 
the same be assessed on the town in ten equal annual install- 
ments and that town bonds be issued for the same until raised 
by tax. 

The above resolution was voted on by ballot with the follow- 
ing results, viz : 

The whole number of votes given for and against the same 
was two hundred and sixteen of which whole number there 
were two hundred and thirteen votes in favor of said resolu- 
tion, and of which whole numl)er there were three against said 
resolution. 

The vote was almost unanimous on both resolu- 
tions, showing that at that stage of the war the peo- 
ple were united and determined to sustain the war 



U6 



History of Marlborough. 



and the government, irrespective of party, and all 
stood ready to vote their money away for that pnr- 
l^ose. All realized the necessity of maintaining the 
Union. 



Town of Marlborough in the Civil War. 
The following is a list of those who enlisted in the 
Armv and Navv: 



James Anderson 
Sidney Barnhart 
Jacob Berrian 
Eeuben E. Bloomer 
Oscar B. Bloomer 
James Bailey 
Walter M. Bailey 
Chas. A. Bailey 
Thomas Brown 
Patrick Conley 
Jos. D. Cassidy 
Henry Cassidy 
David C. Crossbary 
John H. Crossl)ary 
George W. Detmar 
David Davis 
Ferris G. Davis 
Daniel Davis 
Benjamin V. C. DeWitt 
Peter E. DeWitt 
George J. Fowler 
Lnther P. Hait 
John Harding 
John Kenney 
Edward H. Ketcham 
Jolm T. Ketcham 
John MtVay 
Wm. Miller 
George H. Miller 
John McCarty 
John H. Mackey 
Charles Lee Mackev 



David F. Mackey 
Nehemiah Mann 
Morris Lee 
Wm. J. Piirdy 
Peter V. L. Purdy 
Alonzo S. Petit 
Stephen J. Power 
George W. Quimby 
John D. Quimby 
Thos. Elliot 
Chas. H. Free 
George Palmateer 
Stephen Rhodes 
George Eyer 
Eeuben H. Eose 
Aaron Ehodes 
Theodore Ehodes 
Walter Ehodes 
George W. Smith 
Henry Scott 
Isaac Lewis 
Phineas H. Smith 
Isaac Thiels 
Peter Terwilliger 
Jeremiah Terwilliger 
James Terwilliger 
Matthew Terwilliger 
Daniel Tuthill 
Samuel Valentine 
John H. Valentine 
David M. Weed 
James X. AMiims 



Commissioned Officers. 



347 



James B. Williams 
John Wordin 
Isaac Fletcher "Williams 
Charles C. Wygant 
John S. Wood 
Chas. L. Woolsey 
C. M. Woolsey 
William York 
John H. Dingee 
W^m. H. Duncan 
James C. Brewster 
James M. Benson 
R. F. Coutant 
Cevonia Lounsbery 
John Hendrickson 
Lewis Hornbeck 
Isaac X. Hornbeck 



Daniel B. Martin 
Hezekiah Martin 
John Margison 
Elmore Terwilliger 
Wm. L. Dougherty 
Jesse E. Knapp 
Oliver Lawson 
George Duncan 
Wm. Duncan 
Isaac Sims 

Navy 
Cornelius Atherton 
David Johnson 
Horace B. Sands 
John W. Williams 
Martin Fisher 
Thomas Davton 



Commissioned Officers. 

Nehemiah H. Mann was a Captain in the 4tli N. Y. 
Cavalry; killed at Cedarville, Virginia, August 18,' 
1864. 

John T. Ketcliam was Second Lieutenant, 4th N. Y. 
Cavalry; died in Libby Prison, October 8, 1863. 

Edward H. Ketcham was Second Lieutenant in the 
120tli N. Y. Infantry; killed at Gettysburgh, July 2, 
1863. 

William J. Purdy was Second Lieutenant in the 
156th N. Y. Infantry. 

C. M. Woolsey was Second and First Lieutenant 
and Breveted Captain in the 2d N Y. Cavalry, and 
Second Lieutenant, 1st Regiment U. S. C. Troops. 

Oliver Lawson, Second Lieutenant, 1st Mounted 

Eifles. 

Thomas E. Dayton. Acting Ensign in the Naw- 



348 History of Maelboeough. 



Militia. 

After the War of the Eevoliition, a militia com- 
pany of cavalry was organized in 1804, under the 
command of William Acker. It was composed of 
Marlborough and Newlmrgh men, and Nathaniel 
DuBois served several years as Captain; the last 
Captain was Robert D. Mapes of Marlborough. 

In 1823 David W. Woolsey of Marlborough was 
commissioned a Captain in the 14tli Eegiment of In- 
fantry; William Martin was Captain of a company; 
some other companies or parts of companies were or- 
ganized in the town at different times. In November, 
18G7, C. M. Woolsey was commissioned and served as 
Commissary First Lieutenant of the 20th Eegiment, 
N. Y. State Militia until the regiment was disbanded. 

The first militia company of the Precinct of High- 
land, which embraced what is now our town, was or- 
ganized in 1737 under command of Captain Thomas 
Ellison. Jeuriali Quick and Thomas Quick, who re- 
sided here, were members of this organization, and 
I think also John Young, who was Ensign of this 
company. 

Stephen Nottingham was afterward (1758) Captain 
of this company or of one that was organized a few 
year thereafter. He was among the tirst supervisors. 
of the town. 

Isaac Purdy was Lieutenant in 1761; Nathaniel 
Potter had been a Lieutenant, and in 1786 he was Cap- 
tain, which position he held for several years, also in 
1798; David Ostrander, in what is now Plattekill, was 
Captain in 1786; Anning Smith was Captain in 1786 
and for several years thereafter, resigning in 1799 ; 
Nathaniel Kelsey was Lieutenant, and in 1800 he was 
Captain ; Nathaniel Harcourt was Ensign, 1786, Lieu- 
tenant, 1799 ; Nathaniel DuBois was Ensign ; John 
Bond, Captain, 1792 and for some years afterward; 



Militia. 349 

Michael Wygaut, Lieutenant, 1792, and for several 
years,, and was Captain in 1803 ; Joseph Morey, En- 
sign, 1792; Ludlani Smith, Ensign, 1800; John Wood, 
Lieutenant, 1800; Zadoc Lewis, Ensign, 1815, after- 
ward Lieutenant, Captain in 1820, Major in 1821 and 
for many years following; Abram D. Soper, Lieuten- 
ant, 1820, Captain, 1821; William Woolsey, Lieuten- 
ant, 1811, Captain, 1815, Major, 1817; Richard Har- 
court. Lieutenant, 1808, Captain, 1809; David Staples, 
Ensign, 1811, Captain 1815; Nehemiah L. Smith, 
Captain, 1809, resigned, 1815; Valentine Lewis, Lieu- 
tenant; Daniel Lester, Lieutenant; John W. Wygant, 
Lieutenant; Samuel Stilwell, 1823, Quartermaster (1st 
Lieutenant) of 130th Regiment, also in 1827, aid-de- 
camp to the conmiander of the 23d Brigade. 

These appointments were all under the old militia 
system, when every able-bodied man between certain 
ages was liable to military duty. They were armed 
and equipped and had general training days, which 
were quite an event in the community and many 
availed themselves of the opportunity to witness the 
spectacle. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Peesbyteeian Society and Chuech. 

Many of the earlier settlers of this town and the 
neighborhoods south, which are now Newburgh and 
Middlehope, Avere Presbyterians. They were zealous 
in tlieir faith and early sought some means of wor- 
ship. About 1750 they formed among themselves a 
union for the worship of God after the forms of the 
ancient church, which they named the Marlborough 
Society, This was the oldest religious organization 
in what is now the Town of Marlborough and vicinity. 
The church edifice which they erected in the year 1764 
was the first Presbyterian church in the county, the 
society having been organized January 1, 1764. The 
church then built was a small building about 25 x 35 
feet, and its entire cost was about £125. This was in 
addition to the work, material, etc., furnished by the 
people. As the organization increased in numbers, 
some repairs were made to the house of worship in 
1787 and 1792. About 1821 the church was enlarged 
to double its former size, painted and made much 
more attractive. This building answered all pur- 
poses until about 1856, when it was repaired and en- 
larged, repainted and made attractive and convenient. 
In 1859 the first bell was put in the tower of the 
church, and it was a source of much pride and gratifi- 
cation to the people. The building was burned in 
1869, and the present large and conunodious church, 
located upon a new site, was erected the following 
year at the cost of aliout $33,000. It is a handsome 
and substantial structure with steeple and bell and 
will seat 600 or more people, and has a large Sunday- 
school library. A certificate was recorded in the 
Ulster County Clerk's office, June 27, 1785, incor- 



352 History of Marlborough. 

porating the society. A further certificate of incor- 
l^oration was executed May 14, 1795, which was signed 
by Thurston Wood, deacon, and by Isaac Fowler, as 
inspectors of the election held. The meeting was 
called by Rev, Abel Jackson, then minister, and the 
trustees chosen were Reuben Tooker, Michael Wygant, 
Jr,, and Andrew Ely. Another certificate was exe- 
cuted March 29, 1850, and was signed by Thomas D. 
Bloomer and Peter V, B. Fowler. The trustees chosen 
were James Wygant, Charles E. Bingham, John 
Bloomer, James 0. Conklin, Chauncey Wygant, and 
Barnard Bailey ; recorded October 1, 1850. The church 
originally had galleries as was usual in those times. 
It api^ears to have kej^t up its organization and ser- 
vices during all the trying years of the Revolution; 
and after its conclusion, animated with zeal, they 
commenced in 1786 a subscription to pay for the ser- 
vices of the minister, which was signed by ninety men, 
being nearly one-half of the male heads of families in 
the town at that time. The £90 raised amounted to 
about $400, eciuivalent to five times that amount at the 
present day, and very liberal for those times. 

Up to July, 1776, forty-five infants had been bap- 
tized; up to December, 1782, ninety; up to 1800 about 
two hundred. The record of marriages from the 
•earliest organization to the present time are full and 
complete, having been kept with much care, and are 
several hundred in number. This church society has 
seen the rise and progress of this place from a wilder- 
ness to a town of cultivated fields; from a sparsely 
settled, poor and struggling people, to a rich and 
populous township. One generation after another 
has been born here, baptized at this church, married 
and ])een buried. The great good it has done, the 
teachings it has proclaimed are beyond any estimate 
which the present generation may make. While the 
history of the ancient Christian organizations 



The Presbyterian Society and Church. 353 



throughout the country are being written up and 
treasured, let not the grand old organization of the 
Preshyteriau society of Marlborough be forgotten! 
No prouder name can be found, no more worthy or- 
ganization named! 

The record of the church commences as follows: 

From the 8th Aug. 1763. 

1st Subscription. We the subscribers for an encouragement 
towards building a meeting house for the worship of God near 
the Old mans Creek in Ulster County to be founded on the 
Presbyterian foundation and government of the Kirk of Scot- 
land, Do promise to pay, on demand for ourselves heirs and 
assigns the following sums annexed to our names to those that 
Ave Trustees of said building provided that Lewis Du Bois does 
give two acres of land to remain for that use forever as witness 
our hands Aug. 8tli 1763. 

£ S. £ S. 

Lewis Dubois 15 George Stanton 1.5 

Stephen Case 5 Joseph Cain 1.10 

John Woolsey 2 Urian Mackey 1.10 

David Brewster 1 . 10 Latting Carpenter . . . 

Joseph Presly 0.8 John Cosman 

Henry Case, Jr 1 . 8 Daniel Thurston .... 

Benj. Woolsey 3. Zachariah Thurston ., 

Louis Adams 0.10 Wm. Mitchell 

Thos. Quick . 10 Silas Travis 0.16 

Thos. Woolsey 2.00 Richard Woolsey 3 . 00 

Mathcw Presler 0. 8 Benj. Carpenter 2.00 

John Jackson 0.8 Thos. Knowlton 2.00 

John Harris 0.5 Eliphalet Piatt 2.00 

Micajah Lewis 1. Elijah Lewis 1.00 

Pheneas Latting 1. James Quimby 3.00 

James Merritt 0.15 Nehemiah Fowler .... 0.16 

Michael Wygant 2.00 Alexander Colden .... 0.16 

Joseph Hallett 1. 4 Jonathan Hasbrouck .. 1. 4 

& 16 others in all 73 L. 2 S. 

A Register of proceeding was commenced 1st Jan. 1764. 
Stephen Case was appointed Clerk '& his duty was to be As 
follows to keep an exact & true account of all money raised by 
subscription towards building & finishing meeting house & 
how it was disposed of from time to time for the satisfaction 
12 



1. 





1. 





1. 





0. 


8 


1. 






354 History of Marlborough. 



of all whom it may concern likewise an account of all meet- 
ings & who is chosen committee to transact business or any 
other church officers & also of persons married, baptised, or 
buried in said society & to keep & take care of. said record & 
all other books, papers &c relating to said society & when re- 
quired to deliver the same to any other appointed. 

April 6th 17 64. Stephen Case and John Woolsey Avere ap- 
pointed Trustees to receive the Deed for Church T^ot from 
Lieutenant Lewis Dubois for the land & it was also agreed 
that it should be for One & a half acres instead of 2 acres & 
it was also agreed that the Minister or some other persons shall 
have legal right to call meetings whenever necessary to elect 
other trustees or to transact any other business in relation to 
church matters & all business sball he transacted Ijy a ma- 
jority of voices present. 

Deed made the 5th day of April & 4th year of the reign of 
George the 3rd One thousand seven hundred & sixty-four. Be- 
tween Lewis Du Bois of first part & Stephen Case & John 
Woolsey Trustees of 2d part. Witnesseth that said Lewis Du 
Bois in consideration of the sum of five shilling current lawful 
money of N A'ork to him in hand paid & in consideration of 
that paternal love & regard he hath for & towards the propaga- 
tion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, agreeable to the articles 
of the Kirk of Scotland in the Presl)yterian Faith &c Doth 
grant bargain and sell unto said Trustees & their successors to 
perpetuate succession forever, one acre & a half of land for to 
build a meeting house on & for a Burying yard, for the use 
benefit & advantage of said Marlborough Society & their heirs 
forever. Beginning at a stone set in the ground the east side 
of Highway & marked M. B. Y. thence easterly along the south 
line of the tract three chains & eighty-seven links & keeping 
that width & parallel with the road until it includes one & 
a half acres to have & to hold the same forever. Provided said 
society do at all times call, choose a Minister of the Gospel 
to maintain & keep the articles of the Kirk of Scotland agree- 
able to their confession &c 

Signed LEWLS DUBOIS 
Witness Humphrey ]\Ierritt 
Samuel Merritt 
Elijah Baldwin 

First sermon ]3reached in Church liy Eev. Charles J. Smith. 

There was laid out in building meeting house 93 £ 2 S 

Collected 73 £ 2 S. Balance 20 £ S. Borrowed July 9th 



The Presbyteeian Society and Church. 355 



1764 of Capt. Jonathan Hasbroiick 20 £. Lewis DuBois, John 
Woolsey & Stephen Case bound to pay the same. 

Fel). 25th ITGo. 2(1 Subscription. To finish the house & 
make it comfortal)le, that is to lay tlie floors, put glass in the 
windows, make doors il^re., agree to pay as follows on demand. 

£ S £ S 

Stephen Case 1.10 John Quick 0. 2 

Annanias Valentine .. 1.00 David Merritt 0. 3 

Lewis Dubois G . 00 Josiah Merritt . 2 

Absolam Case . 8 Michael Wygant . 5 

Seth Hubble 0.10 John Woolsey 1.10 

Zadock LeAvis 0. 8 Morris Flewelling ... 0. 6 

James Townsend .... . 2 Isaac Fowler 1 . 5 

Samuel Merritt 0.10 Jacob Winner 0. 8 

Danl Thurston 0.15 Thomas Knowlton ... 1. 

Eichard AYoolsev 0.12 



John Cosman 0. 5 £17. IS 

All laid out in laying floors &c, and paying interest &c. 

STEPHEX CASE Clerk 
April 23d. 

December 30th 1765. This day was chosen a committee for 
Marlborough Society & a Moderator. 

Viz : Thomas Knowlton, j\Ioderator ; Capt. Eichard Wool- 
sey, Lieut. Lewis Du Bois, Eliphalet Piatt & Daniel Thurston, 
Committee. 

Said committee to be responsible for the sum raised for the 
support of a minister for one year. 

Jan. 20th 1767. This day was chosen by a majority of voices 
a Committee & Moderator. 

Viz : Lewis Du Bois, Moderator ; Thomas Knowlton, Ben- 
jamin Carpenter, Stephen Case & Daniel Sniffin, Committee. 

Said committee to be responsible for moneys raised for the 
support of a minister for one year. 

Sept. 25th 1773. This day hired Eev. John McCallah for 
six months to preach, one half the time in the Meeting house 
& the other half towards Xewburgh. Two trustees to be ac- 
countable for the sum of £ 20, 12 S. & the lower or jSTewburgh 
society for the remainder of his salary. 

9th July 1771. Trustees Stephen Case & John Woolsey & 
Lewis Du Bois met & settled all accoimt against meeting house 
& found the balance 7 £ 10 S. & 3 D.— which they divided 
between & paid, & society to pay them again out of first monev 
made bv collection or otlierwise. 



356 History of Marlboeough. 

April 23d 1775. Eev. Nathan Kerr preached & administered 
the Lord's Supper for the first time to 6 memhers & Caleb 
Fowler an infant baptised. 

April 6th 178J:. A general act of Incorporation was passed 
for all religious denominations within the state & the Society 
met 38th day of April 1785 & organized agreeable to that act 
by choosing nine Trustees viz : Anning Smith, Jonathan 
Brown, Michael Wygant, Isaac Fowler, Jr., Eeuben Tooker, 
Nathaniel Du Bois, Daniel Kelsey, Samuel Stratton & Wolveft 
Ecker & Dr. Benjamin Ely, Clerk. 

July 9th 1785. Trustees met & chose Dr. Benjamin Ely, 
Clerk, Treasurer & Collector. 

Sept. 30th 1785. Trustees met & settled with Capt. Stephen 
Case in relation to a Lottery & they found due him 8 £ 
3 S. 9 D. — which sum he generously gave to the Society & gave 
a receipt in full & at the same time the Trustees divided them- 
selves into three classes, to wit: 1st, 2d & 3d. 

March 1st 1786. A subscription was started to raise money 
to pay for the support of a minister for the half of the time for- 
one year & to preach tlie other half some where in New Paltz. 
Ninety persons subscribed & raised the sum of £ 90. 

June 10th 1786. Trustees met & resolved to send to New 
England to get a minister to supply them for one year & that 
Dr. Benjamin Ely be appointed to go & to have six weeks time 
to do the same. 

Eesolved That no Baptist or separate Preacher he allowed or 
admitted to preach in the Meeting house under any pretense 
whatever without the joint & mutual consent of the Trustees or 
a majority of them. 

Sept. 12th 1786. At a parisli meeting this day at the Meet- 
ing house Ebenezer Perkins, John Thorp & Benjamin Car- 
penter were elected Trustees. 

Dec. 1786. Repairs &c upon Church & subscription to pay 
same. 

Feb. 18th, 1787. At a Parish meeting this day Voted that 
the supply should have £ 1 12 S. per Sabbath. 

Sept. 11th 1787. At a parish meeting this day voted that 
the Eev. Mr. Osborn be employed to preach for three months 
provided he will accept of 32 S. per Sabbath Exclusive of 
board. 

Voted Also that Major Du Bois, Capt. Jolin Woolsey & Wol- 
vert Ecker be exempt from paying part thereof in consequence 
of their generous offer to board Mr. Osborn & a Committee 



A New Organization of the Church. 357 

waited upon Mr. Osboru to inform him of the proposal whicli 
he readily accepted. 

Sept. 25th 1787. Parish meeting to elect Trustees. John 
Fowler, Matthew Wygant, & Nathaniel Dn Bois chosen. 

Sept. 19th 1788. Parish meeting to choose Trustees. Ann- 
ing Smith, Eeuben Tooker & John Fowler were elected & Eben- 
ezer Foot in place of Xath'l Du Bois, Deceased. 

March 7th 1792. Parish meeting to classify trustees & to 
choose a Clerk & Allen Lester was chosen. A subscription 
started to raise money to employ Reverend Mr. Jackson to 
preach the half of the time for one year, & raised money to 
do the same. Mr. Jackson began to labor in Marlborough 
Mav 1792 & was ordained at Marlborough Nov. 1792. 



~ A New Organization of the Church. 

Oct. 1st 1793. At a meeting previously appointed by Eev. 
Mr. Jackson for the purpoSe of constituting a Church. Eev, 
Amsi Lewis, Daniel Marsh, Jeremiah Crosby & Abel Jackson 
present, after Prayer, the Persons present were organized intcp 
a Church, * * * ^^ agreed to the following articles of faith.- 

1st. That none are qualified to enter into such covenant 
relation unless they are real friends of Jesus Christ & his 
cause & therefore none are to be admitted to such covenant 
relation unless they profess repentance towards God & faith 
in the Lord Jesus Christ & whose fruit, both in life & con- 
serv'ation is agreeable to such profession. 

2d. That those children whose parents are one or both of 
them such professors are included in the covenant & ought 
to l)e baptised. That baptised children are to be considered as 
belonging to the Church & subject to discipline according to 
their age & capacity. That baptised persons are not to be ad- 
mitted to the Lord's supper, or baptism for their children 
without such acknowledgment of their baptismal obligations as 
amounts to the profession required of adults. 

3d, 4tb, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th are omitted, it amounted to 
an independent organization & Articles of faith with 7 Sections ' 
& the usual Cliurch Covenant were all adopted & Mr. Lewis 
preached a sermon from Eph. 2d, 22d. Mr. March made the 
concluding Prayer & after singing Psalm 132 Mr. Lewis dis- 
missed the people. ; 

Nov. 23d 1793. * * * The question being asked whom 
Ave ought to invite to commune with us. Voted to invite all 
friends of Jesus Christ wlio are in regular standing in other 
visiljle churches. * * * 



358 History of Marlborough. 

For about ten years after Mr. Jackson left, the 
clinrch was without any settled minister. During this 
time the inilpit was supplied by Isaac Sargeant, Wm. 
Bull, Ambrose Porter, Richard Andrews, Joel T. 
Benedict, and others all of the same ecclesiastical 
order as Mr. Jackson. Mr. Bull, who sup])lied the 
pulpit for some length of time, was an Englishman, 
exceedingly eccentric, and very prolix in his perform- 
ances. He was a bachelor; and sometimes in Vne 
family where he boarded, continued so long in prayer 
at family worship that all deserted him. At a funeral 
he was knowii to protract his address till interrupted 
and admouished that it would be too dark to bury the 
dead. Mr. Benedict is said to have been a man of 
•ardent piety, untiring zeal, and much eloquence, and 
to have drawn large congregations to listen to his 
preaching. 

So far there had never been any special awakening 
of the church. The whole number that had been ad- 
mitted to the church, up to 1808, was 71, of whom 53 
were still members. 

Being wearied with difficulties growing out of their 
Church government, and discouraged about obtain- 
ing jDermanent supplies of their present denomina- 
tion, in 1809 the people began to turn their attention 
to the Presliyterian Church. Mr. Jas. I. Ostram, a 
'Candidate for the gospel ministry, under the care of 
the Presbytery of Hudson, occasionally attended 
religious meetings among them for some months. 
They also obtained some supplies from that Presby- 
tery. In April, 1810, they applied by their commis- 
sioners, Charles Millard and Leonard Smith, to be 
taken under the care of the Pludson Presbytery. At 
the same meeting of the Presbytery, Mr. Ostram was 
licensed to preach the Gospel, and on the first Sal)bath 
thereafter agreed to accept a call from this people, 
in connection with the congregation of New Paltz. He 



The Presbyterian Society and Church. 359 

labored among them as a licentiate till September, 
when he was ordained and installed over them by the 
Presbytery of Hudson. 

In October, 1811, a special season of divine influence 
began in this congregation and continued till the fol- 
lowing spring, adding to the church 116 members. 
During the period of this work nothing special ap- 
peared in Paltz, although within six miles, and enjoy- 
ing precisely the same means of grace; illustrating 
most clearly the sovereignty of divine grace, and 
teaching us that the Lord " will have mercy on whom 
he will have mercy." About the middle of February, 
1820, it pleased the Lord to visit them with another 
revival, which added to the church 150 more, 90 in a 
single day, of whom 60 had not been before baptized. 

Being thus increased in numbers, and having en- 
larged their house of worship to double its former 
size, in 1827 the congregation was separated from that 
of Paltz, the pastoral relation of Mr. Ostram to Paltz 
dissolved, and his labors confined to Marlborough. 
Here he continued his ministry till March, 1829, when, 
having accepted a call from the church in Salina, his 
relation to this church was dissolved. 

The first bench of ruling elders ordained and in- 
stalled here in 1810, when the church was organized 
in a Presbyterian form, was composed as follows, 
viz. : Charles Millard, Leonard Smith, Allen Lester, 
Andrew Ely, and Nathaniel Bailey. Of these, Charles 
Millard departed this life April 30, 1827. He was 
a man of blessed memory, a devout Christian, and 
ready for every useful work. His character and 
not wealth made him a controlling spirit among the 
people. Andrew Ely was a soldier of the Revolution. 
Of Allen Lester we have the following record: '' He 
departed this life July 24, 1834, in the 78th year of 
his age. He was the first deacon (he was both deacon 
and elder) in this church; had lived a useful life and 



360 History of Marlborough. 

died lamented." We have no donbt, from the busi- 
ness intrusted to Col. Smith, and the fidelity with 
which he discharged it, that he was a man of worth. 

In November, 1829, this church extended a call to 
the Eev. John H. Leggett of Peekskill, and he was in- 
stalled their pastor the 7th day of January following. 
Next spring it pleased God to visit the church with 
" a time of ref resiling, " and it received an addition 
of more than forty members. Again, in the autumn 
of 1832 the Lord poured out His Spirit among them, 
and about forty more were added to the church. In 
April, 1833, Mr. Leggett having received a call 
from the church at Hopwell, Orange county, the 
pastoral relation between him and this church was 
dissolved. It may seem strange that a r-evival of 
religion was followed so soon by such a result. Mr. 
Leggett continued his labors in Hopewell till 1854, 
when feeling his health inadeciuate to such a charge, 
he accepted a call to the church in the village of 
Middletown. 

On the 16th day of September following, this church 
made a call for the services of the Eev. Leonard John- 
son, who was installed their pastor on the 2d day of 
October, 1833. He labored here a little more than one 
year, and on the 29th day of January, 1835, his rela- 
tion to this church being dissolved, he removed to 
Broome county, where, after a long pastorate of 
nearly a quarter of a century, he died in 1859. 

Weary with changes, the people began to turn their 
minds again toward their old pastor, who had left 
them seven years since ; and they resolved now to 
extend him a call, offering a larger salary than before 
and seeking to induce him to return. This call he 
accepted, and was installed again over them in the 
spring of 1835. This time, however, his stay among 
them was brief, being but little more than three years, 
yet he left behind some substantial results. He was 



The Presbyterian Society and Church. 361 

instrumental in leading the people to erect a cheap 
parsonage, which has greatly increased the comfort 
and usefulness of his successors. In July, 1838, Mr. 
Ostram having received a call from the Fourth Free 
Presbyterian Church in New York city, the pastoral 
relation was again dissolved. Here he continued to 
labor till 1852, when, under the infirmities of age, li-e 
left the city and retired to the village of New Wind- 
sor. Here he continued to reside, performing more 
or less pastoral labor as his health permitted. 

At the time of the division of the General Assembly, 
which took place this year, this church was found in 
the new school body. Accordingly, Mr. Henry Belden, 
a licentiate of the Third Presbytery of New York, 
came among them and supplied the pulpit from Janu- 
ary 1, to April 15, 1839. At that time he received 
from them a call, and was installed their pastor the 
second day of May. He continued his labors here 
about seventeen months, and was instrumental in 
adding about forty to the church. But his doctrinal 
^dews, and the measures which he adopted, were such 
that a large majority of the congregation became dis- 
satisfied, and in October, 1840, the pastoral relation 
was dissolved. The church had a hard time to get 
rid of Belden. " Had to call Presbytery to get rid 
of Mr. Belden on account of his abolition principles. 
Presbytery decided for him to leave, and he appealed 
to the Synod and congregation changed to the Old 
School to get rid of it." Mr. Belden was afterward 
suspended from the functions of the gospel ministry 
by this Presbytery for want of doctrinal soundness. 
Soon afterward, having received a license from Ober- 
lin, he Iniilt a church at Washingtonville, Orange 
county, of his own order, in which he labored for a 
short time. Thence he removed to the city of New 
York. 

A portion of this congregation, who s^Tupathized 



362 History of Marlborough. 

more strongly with the New School body than others^ 
at this time erected a house of worship in Milton; 
September 27, 1841, certificates were granted to fif- 
teen of these persons, residing in and near Milton, 
for the purpose of l)eing constituted a separate church. 
The remainder of the congregation appointed dele- 
gates to meet the Old School Presbytery of North 
River and to renew their connection with that body. 

On the 25th day of January, 1811, the Presbytery 
appointed the Rev. John H. Carle as stated supply of 
the church of Marlborough. He continued his labors 
here till the spring of 1842, when he went to the 
church at Rondout to officiate in the same capacity. 
After a few years in that place, he returned to the 
Dutch church, and labored for some time near Cana- 
joharie. 

In the spring of 1842 the congregation sent to 
Princeton for supplies and were directed by the pro- 
fessors, among others, to Rev. S. H. Jagger, then a 
licentiate of the Presbytery of Long Island. He com- 
menced preaching here on the 15th day of May, and 
on the 27tli day of June the people gave him a unani- 
mous call to become their pastor, which he accepted. 
He found the church much divided, owing to the re- 
cent change of ecclesiastical relations and other mat- 
ters. Many having deserted their own church, were 
worshiping elsewhere. Although in a short time most 
of these breaches were healed, the pastor labored 
eighteen years without witnessing any extensive re- 
vival and was instrumental in adding but one hundred 
to the church during this long period. At the begin- 
ning of his pastorate, the parsonage was mortgaged 
for nearly its full value. This debt was soon paid; 
and the house, barn and grounds have since been much 
enlarged. 



The Presbyterian Society and Church. 363 



Some of the earlier supplies were: Rev. Abner 
Brush, Rev. Wheeler Case, Rev. Mr. Peppard, Rev. 
Mr. McCallah, Rev. Nathan Kerr, Rev. Mr. Aiming, 
Rev. Mr. Close, Rev. J. Moffatt, Rev. Stephen Gote- 
chius. Rev. Mr. Ganse, Rev. Andrew King, Rev. 
Chauncey Graham, Rev. Samuel Sackett. 

A list of pastors of the church are; September, 1806, 
Rev Ambrose Porter was ordained pastor. The sub- 
sequent pastors have been Rev. James Ostram, 1810- 
1829; Rev. John H. Leggett, 1830-33; Rev. Leonard 
Johnson 1833-35; Rev. James I. Ostram, 1835-38; 
Rev. Henry Belden, 1839-40; Rev. John H. Earl, 
stated supply, one year; Rev. Samuel H. Jagger, 
1842-69 ; Rev. Charles W. Cooper, 1870-75 ; Rev. Dun- 
can C. Niven, 1875-83; Rev. Charles E. Bronson,. 
1881-92; Rev. Charles L. Carhart, 1892-99; Rev. 
William Coombe, 1900-08. 

The elders of the church since its organization in 
1810: Gen. Leonard Smith, Charles Millard, Andrew 
Ely, Allen Lester, Nathaniel Bailey, Michael W^ygant, 
Joshua Conklin, Gilbert Kniffin, Daniel Wygant, 
Jonathan Cosman, Bernard Bailey, Peter V. Fowler, 
Thomas D. Bloomer, James 0. Conklin, Asbury AVy- 
gant, Augustus G. Clark, Charles E. Bingham, Charles 
M. Purdy, Joshua Ward, William D. Barnes, Cornel- 
ius D. Bloomer, John Bloomer, Daniel Lockwood, 
Francis R. Shrive, Richard B. Norton, and William 
J. Burrows. The present deacons are: Levi D. 
McMullen, A. B. Eckerson, Samuel B. Wygant. The 
trustees are Richard B. Norton, J. Foster Wygant, 
Eli Harcourt, Frank Sands, Benjamin Harcourt, 
Edwin W. Barnes, William Y. Vellie, J. Calvin Wy- 
gant. The present membership is 322. The church is 
one of the strongest and richest in the county of 
Ulster. 



364 History of Marlborough. 



The First Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths. 

Aug. 8th 1TG3. First subscription for Marlborough Church. 

April oth 17G4. Deed was given by Lieut. Lewis Du Bois 
for one & half acres. 

Aug. 36th 1764. First sermon preached in M Church by 
Eev. Charles J. Smith. 

March 3d 1T6-J:. First person buried namely an infant of 
James Merritt. Another infant of James Merritt & also one of 
Thomas Silkworth. 

Jan. 23d 1766. Eev. Abner Brush preached & baptised a 
child of Thomas Quick named Sarah. One of Peter Fompell 
named Charlotte. One of Zadwick Miller named Peter & one 
of John LT. Wygant named Sarah. 

Feb. 13th 1766. Was buried Mrs. P]lizal)cth Piatt first grown 
person, wife of E. Piatt. 

July 1st 1766. Baptised a child of Urian Mackey named 
Elias. 

June 8th 1766. Rev. Wheeler Case Preached eV' l)a|)tised a 
child of E. Piatt. Elizabeth. 

July 13th. liev. A. Brush preached & baptised child of 
David Smith. David. 

Nov. 33d 1766. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Israel Piatt. 
Named Edmund. 

Feb. 18th 1767. Eev. Wheeler Case baptised a child of 
Gilbert Denton named Johanna & also one of Burris Holmes 
named Thomas. 

Feb. 35th. Eev. Wheeler Case preached & baptised child of 
Stephen Case. Name Wheeler. 

May 3d. Eev. A. Brush preached & baptised a child of 
Hugh Gambb named Hugh. 

July 3d 1767. Eev. A. Brush married Daniel Knif!in & 
31artha Thurston. 

July 13th. Mr. Brush baptised two children of Joshua 
Conklin named Eachel & Joshua. 

Same day child of Lemuel Conklin named Benjamin Hairs. 

July 86. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Tunis Dolson named 
Mary. Same day one of John Simpson named Samuel. 

Aug. 30th 1767. Eev. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Lieut. 
Lewis Du Bois named Jonathan. 

Nov. 3d. This day buried Joseph Taylor: No. 5. 

Nov. 3-4th. This day was l)uried Mrs. Eachel Du Bois wife 
of Lieut. Du Bois. 

Dec. 1767. This day married Henry Little & Kasiah Smith. 



The First Baptisms, Maeriages, and Deaths. 365 



Jan. 2Tth IT 68. Married Eichard Albertson to Eebecca Sim- 
son. 

Jan. 27tli IT 68. William Durkee to Anne Weekam. 

Feb. 2d, 1T68. This day bnried Jonathan son of Lieut. Lewis 
Du Bois. 

May 8th. Eev. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Peter Pom- 
prises named Mary. 

Sept. 25th was buried an infant of Lemuel Conklin. 

June 19th 1T69. Buried Joseph a son of Henry Deyo. 

Aug. l-ith 1T69. Buried James N'orton & also an infant of 
Delwranee Banker. 

Aug. 19th 1T69. Buried a daughter of James ISTorton. 

Aug. 28th. Buried Samuel son of John Dolson. 

Xov. 13th. Buried Sarah daughter of William Waring. 

Dec. ITth. Burried Ann wife of William Dun. 

Dec. 25th. Buried Jemima wife of William Mosier & also an 
infant one coffin. 

April Kith ITTO. Buried Isabel wife of John Davis. 

July 15th. Buriwl Robert Quimby who died with the small 
pox. 

Aug. 16th. Eev. Mr. Peppard preached & baptised two 
children of John Wygant one named Jane the other Elizabeth. 

March 11th ITTl. Buried Martha wife Isaac Polwer, Jur. 

March 13th. Buried an infant of Isaac Folwer, Jr. in the 
same grave with wife. Both died with small pox. 

May 15th 1TT2. Buried an infant of Benjamin Woolsey. 

July 29th 1TT2. Buried a son of Samuel Townsend. 

Oct. 18th. Buried an infant of Doct, Abijah Perkins. 

Oct. 18. Also the same parent a male infant. 

June 1st 1773. Rev. Mr. Brush married Alexander Cropsy 
to Elizalieth Valentine. 

June 7th. Buried Amy Miller. 

Sept. 11th. Buried an infant of Silas Purdy. 

Sept. 19th. Rev. Mr. McCallali preached & baptised a son 
& daughter of Stephen Case named Gabriel & Easter, also a 
daughter of Doct. Abijah Perkins named Hannah & a daughter 
of John Bond named Elizabeth. 

■ Sept. 25th 1773. This* day engaged Rev. Mr. McCallah to 
preach six months. 

Sept. 26th. Mr. McCallah preached & baptised a child of 
John Stevins named Mary. 

Dec. 1st 1773. Married Thomas Cambell to Elizabeth 
Cropsie. 



366 History of Marlborough. 

Dec. 5th. Baptised a child of Benjamin Carpenter named 
Jacob. 

Dec. l"2tli. Married Jolin Dutlield to Jerusha Knowlton. 

Dec. IDth. Buried Cornelius son of Lieut. Lewis Du Bois. 

Jan. 23d 17T4. Buried Theodiaca Smith. 

Jan. 30th. Buried Elsie Rudgers wife of Danl. & mother of 
Thadeas Smith. 

April 11th. Buried Daniel son & brother to the above. 

July 21st. Buried William son of David McMinn from 
Scotland. 

16th Nov. Buried a male infant of Dr. Abijali Perkins. 

Nov. 28th i:;4. Paid Mr. McCallah in full for six months 
preaching. 

Dec. 36. Buried two children of Jacob Degroot who were 
burned to death. 

Jan. 3d 1775. Buried Rumbout Bogardus. 

Jan. 7th 1775. Buried John Corbit. 

Jan. 22d. Baptised by Rev. Samson Occum a son of Lewis 
Du Bois named Lewis. 

Same day a daughter of Wm. McKinney named Sarah. 

Feb. 24. Buried Charlotte daughter of Stephen Case aged 
5 mo. 21 days. 

March 5. Buried a daughter of John Polhemus named 
Phebe. 

April 22d. Buried an infant daughter of Benjamin Wool- 
sey. 

April 23d 1775. Rev. Nathan Kerr administered the Lord's 
Supper for the first time to this Church to six persons, same 
dav baptised a child of Isaac Fowler Jr. named Caleb. Father 
of P. V. B. Fowler. 

May 23d. Buried Jacob Dolson who died with small pox. 

May 30th. Buried Elizabeth Silkworth daughter of Thomas 
■Silkworth. 

Aug. 15th. Rev. Mr. Anning preached & baptised John a son 
'of Samuel Hannah, & also Elizabeth daughter of David Mc- 
Minn. 

Aug. 27. Rev. Mr. Close preached & baptised Joseph a son 
•of John Stevinson. 

Nov. 12th. Rev. J. Moffatt married James Leonard to 
Massah Townsend. 

Nov. 24th. Buried Mr. Hannah Collins. No. 43 in the 
-graveyard. 

Nov. 25. Buried Appollos Case No. 44. 



Aug. 


24th. 


coffin. 




Aug. 


25tli. 


Sept. 


5th. 


Sept. 


17th. 


Sept. 


29th. 


Oct. 


27th. 


Nov. 


25th. 


>^ov. 


2Gth. 



The First Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths. 367 

Feb. 12th 1776. William Wight married to Jane Conklin 
by Mr. Lewis. 

Apr. 1-1. Eev. Mr. Kerr preached & baptised a child of 
Benj. Carpenter named William & one of Dr. Abijah Perkins 
named George Whitfield, & one of Solomon Warring named 
Derrick & one of Lewis Du Bois named Margaret & one of 
Josepli Dun named Juliana. Make 38 infants baptised, in all. 

June 14tli 1776. Buried Thomas Pembrook. Xo. -15. 

Aug. 18th. Buried Sibba Scott daughter of William Scott. 
Buried Mary Caniff & a female infant in one 

Buried Gloriana daughter of Wm. Quick. 
Buried Henry son of Henry Decker. 
Buried Pernino Springer. 
Buried Catharine Smith. No. 52. 
Buried James son of Joseph Carpenter. 
Buried Elizabeth daughter of Henry Hide. 
Buried Doct. Abijah Perkins. A friend to this 
society & a good man. 

Dec. 5th. Buried three children of George Langly within a 
short time. 

Feb. 23d 1777. Buried Jeremiah Barnheart. 
June 21st. Married by Rev. Stephen Goetchius Benj. I. 
Frear & Anne Parker. 

June 22d. Baptised l)y Rev. S. Goetchius a son of Benj. I. 
Frear named Benjamin. Also by Rev. S. Goetchius Hannah 
daughter of Henry Terbush. 

June 29th. Rev. J. Moffatt preached & baptised Jane Frank- 
lin a daughter of Stephen Case. Also a child of Absalom Case 
named Jane & a son of John Wygant named George. Also a 
son of Thomas Wygant named Barnard & a daughter of Joseph 
Degroot named Susannah. No. 45. 

June 29th 1777. Rev. J. Moffatt married Thos. Quick Jr. 
to Peninah Springer. 

July 28th. Buried Sarah Woolsey wife of Noah. 
Aug. 23d. Buried George Langdon. No. 61. 
Aug. 31st 1777. Rev. John. Moffat preached and baptized 
a daughter of Benjamin Carpenter named Jane. Also a 
daughter of Isaac Fowler (sister of Caleb Fowler and sister of 
D. Fowler married Stephen Baker, N. Y.) named Martha 
and also a son of John Smith named Thomas and another 
son of same Michael and a son of Francis Gaine named George 
Washington. 



368 History of Marlborough. 

Sept. 30th. Eev. Mr. Ganse preached, and was buried a 
male infant of John Lester. 

Oct. 23d. Buried Tliomas son of Charles Mackey. 

Nov. 16th. Buried Sarah wife of David Benins. 

Xov. 16th. Buried John a son of Jacob Degroot. 

Nov. 25th. Buried an infant daughter of John Quick." 

Dec. 23d. Buried John Taller. 

Feb. lotli, 1778. Buried Miss Nancy Brown daughter of 
Jonathan. 

March 8th. Buried an infant daughter of Benj. I. Frear. 

May 2;kl. Buried George Piatt. No. 70. 

Oct. 8th. Eev. Mr. Brush baptized a son of John Wygant 
named Nathaniel, also a son of Thos. Wygant named Matthew 
and a daugliter of John Mobery named Eebecca. 

Nov. 25th. Buried Mary daughter of Capt. Silas Purdy. 

Dec. 3d. Buried an infant female of John Mullender. 

Feb. 14th. 1779. Buried a male infant of John Lewis. No. 

r- o 
i O. 

Feb. 15th. Buried Isaac son of Benjamin I. Frear. 

May 7th. Buried Sarah Smith daughter-in-law of Andrew 
Young. ■ 

June 20tli. Eev. Jolm Moffat baptized a son of Stej)hen 
Case named Whitfield. 

June 23d. Buried a male infant of James Merritt. 

July 18th. Eev. Mr. Andrew King baptized a son of Isaac 
Fowler Jr. named Charles (Dr. C. Fowler of Montgomery.) 

Oct. 6th. Buried a male infant of Elijah Ferris. 

Oct. 9th. Buried a male infant of Samuel McKeys. 

Oct. 11th. Buried a male infant of Eeuben Tooker. 

Oct. 27t]i. Buried a male infant of David Finch. 

Nov. loth. Buried a male infant of William Scott. No. 81. 

Jan. 6th. 1790. Buried Mary wife of Thomas Quick. 

April 16th. Eev. John Close baptized Eebecca daughter 
of John Wygant. 

May 31st. Buried Hannah Lucas a very aged widow. 

June 21st. Buried a daughter of Stephen Case. 

Aug. 13th. Eev. Chauncey Graham baptized a son of Benj. 
Carpenter named Joseph, also two daughters of A])raham John- 
son, Jane and Mary, also a daughter of Absalom Case named 
Glorianna. No. 60. 

Oct. 15th. Baptized by Eev. C. Graham a daughter of 
John ]\I. Smith named Jane, also five children of widow Mary 
Gilles, widow of Jacob, oldest Jonathan, 2d. Sarah, 3d. Malli- 
chia, 4th. Elias, 5th. Elizabeth by Eev. Chauncey Graliam. 



The First Baptisms, Maeeiages, and Deaths. 369 

Oct. 22d. Bnried Phebe Quick daughter of William Quick. 

Xov. 2d. ]\Iarried by Eev. John Close Daniel Kelsy to 
Hannah Lyneson. 

Nov. 30th. Married by Eev. Andrew King Doct. Benjamin 
Ely to Elizabeth Brown. "No. 13. 

March 18th. 1781. Buried two female children of Peter 
Quick. No. 86 and 87. 

March 29th. Buried Isaac Cropsy. No. 88. 

March 25th. 1T81. Kev. Samuel Sackett preached and 
baptized 3 children of Wolvert Ecker Esqr., Deborah, Su- 
sannah & William, also a son of Capt. John Quokenljoss named 
Nicholas. No. 69. 

April 17th. Buried a nuile infant of William Pembroke. 
No. 89. 

May 2Tth. Eev. Mr. Brush baptised a daughter of Matthew 
Wygant nauiod Pliihi, also a son of John Wygant named 
Micbael e^' a son of Thomas Wygant named Michael. No. 72. 

June 10th. Buried a male infant of William Quick. 

Oct. 26th. Buried Charity wife of Joseph Carpenter. 

Oct. 28th. Eev. Mr. Graham baptised a son of Lieut. John 
Bond named Barnard. 

Jan. 11th 1782. Buried an infant of Thurston Wood. No. 
92. 

Jan. 21st. Eev. J. Moffatt married Wm. McCrary to Sarah 
Stevinson. No. 13. 

May 25th. Buried Sarah wife of Nathaniel Bake. No. 93. 

June 23d. Eev. Mr. Graham baptised a son of Ezra War- 
ring Jr., named Ezra. 

12th. Eev. Mr. Brush baptised a daughter of J. M. Smith 
named Euth. 

Sept. 16th. Buried a son of Thos. Wygant named Michael. 
No. 94. 

Dec. 31st. Buried Phebe wife of Peter Purdy. No. 95. 

May 25th 1783. Eev. Mr. Brush preached & baptised 
William son of Thos. Wygant; Teperance daughter of John 
Wygant & Johannah daughter of Nathaniel Hull. No. 90. 
. Aug. 7. Buried an infant of Daniel Tooker. Male. 

Sept. 5. Buried Hannah wife of Charles Tooker, a respect- 
able character. 

Sept. 15th. 1783. Buried a daughter of John Case & grand- 
daughter of Ste]:)hen Case, Clerk &c. 

Sept. 19th. Buried a son of William Pembroke named 
Isaac. 

Sept. 22. Buried Mary widow of Jacob Dolson. 



370 History of Marlborough. 

Oct. loth. Buried Mary daughter of John Fowler. Xo. 103. 

Dec. 21st. Eev. John Close baptised Charlotte daughter of 
Stephen Case. 

Dec. 28. Buried a male infant of Peter Bices. No. 103. 

March 18th. 1784. Buried a female infant of Jonathan 
Woolsey. 

Aug. 19th. Buried Jane Fell (alias) Pell aged near 100 
years. 

Nov. 9th. Eev. Mr. Brush baptised a daughter of Matthew 
Wygant named Eebecca. 

Nov. 22d. Buried Sarah wife of Thomas Silkworth, No. 
107. 

Oct. 1st. 1785. Married by Wolvert Eckert Esqr. Joseph 
Mory to Glorianna Merritt. 

Jan. 178G. Buried Sarah wife of Alexander Mackey. 

Jan. 12th. Eev. Stephen Goetchius baptised twin daughters 
of Benj. Frear named Wyntye & Unice Wygant. 

Also Stephen son of Solomon Waring. x\lso James son of 
Thos. Wygant. 

April 27th. Buried John Lyon. 

May 31st. Married Gilbert Barker to Phebe Brown a 
•daughter of Jonathan. 

July 8th. Eev. Stephen Goetchius baptised twin children 
of Hugh Deyo named Henry Bush & Susannah. 

Aug. 16th. Married by Atherton Peter Thorp & Jemima 
Turner. 

Nov. 22d. 1786. Eev. Andrew King baptised Edmund 
Hurin son of Peter Thorp. 

Aug. 17th. 1788. Eev. John Close baptised Hannah only 
■child of Nathaniel DuBois, deceased. 

July 21st. 1793. Baptised Isaac son of John, Polhemus. 

Oct. 13th. Baptised Mary Olford daughter of Darcas. 

Feb. 16th. 1794. Daniel 'son of Allen Lester. 

Feb. 16th. Mary, Jesse, Jacob & John children of Timothy 
Wood. 

April. Phe1)e daughter of Jacob Polhemus. 

June 22d. Betsy Ely daughter of Matthew Wygant. 

Oct. 26th. Elizabeth daughter of Timothy Wood. 

May 10th. 1795. Elizabeth Duflfield daughter of Andrew 
CJropsy. 

June Stli. Jotham son of Mary Sherwood. 

Oct. 25th. Child of John Polhemus. 

April lOtb. 1796. Elizabeth daughter of Jacob Polhemus. 

Mav 22d. !Mieliael son of Matthew Wygant.. 




Za:-^' 




:Mauldo.rough Pbesbyterian Chuech. 



Jan. 39th. 1797. Abijali Perkins son of Andrew Ely. 

May 7th. William son of Timothy Wood. 

Dee. 17 th. Cornelia daughter of John Polhemus. 

June 16th. 1798. Cornelius son of Jacob Polhemus. 

Nov. 16th. 1800. Daniel Thurston son of Timothy Wood. 

Sept 12th. 1803. John son of Betsy Clark. 

Sept. 12th. 1803. Eluiira cV ]\I'ifiah children of Timothy 
J^Jarvin. 

Sept. 12th. Josiah Web son of Cornelius Polhemus. 

March 13. 1804. Catharine daughter of Charles Millard. 

July 15th. Charles Lester son of Timothy Wood. 

Nov. 2oth. Lydia daughter of Cornelius Polhemus. 

Nov. 25th. Eliza daughter of John Polhemus. 

May 12th. 1805. Polly Eliza daughter of Michael Wygant. 

July 21st. Miram, Letty, Cornelius, Wiliam & Oxford chil- 
dren of Valentine Lewis. 

Aug. 18th. Franklin son of Charles Millard. 

March 2d. 1806. James son of Elam Clark. 

May 25th. Eliza Jane daughter of Mr, Freeland. 

Mav 25th. Also Gill)ert & Charlotte children of Timothv 
Wood^ 

June 8th. Eaehel, Jonithan, Sally Ann, & Samuel Watts, 
<;*hildren of Jonathan Cosman. 

April 19th. 1807. Edward son of Michael Wygant. 

Apr. 21st. Timothy Crosby son of Timothy ]\Iarvin. 



The Presbyterian Church at Milton. 

A portion of the congregation of the Marlborough 
■chureli who sympathized more strongly with the New 
School body than others, erected a house of worship 
at Milton. The society was incorporated AugTist 23, 
1841. Lutlier Pratt and Sumner Coleman presided at 
the meeting for organization. The trustees chosen 
were Luther Pratt, Nathaniel Clark, Sumner Cole- 
man, Clark Smith, Daniel Lewis and William Soper. 
The meeting was held at the district school house. 
Kev. James Gr. Ostrom was present and assisted. The 
congregation resolved that they s}^npathize with that 
iDranch of the Presbyterian church known as Consti- 



372 History of Marlborough. 

tiitional. In May, 1843, during a fire, the earlier rec- 
ords of the church were burned. 

Eev. M. F. Liebenau was tlie first pastor of the 
church. He was installed in October, 1841, and re- 
mained for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. W. 
K. Piatt. The puli)it was supplied by others after 
R-ev. Mr. Piatt left until the first Sabljath in March 
1849, when Rev. M. F. Liebenau returned to the 
church ; he remained until about 1861, when Rev. Sum- 
ner Mandeville came as a stated supply. Rev. Edgar 
W. Clarke took charge of the church in 1862 and re- 
mained until the summer of 1866. He was carrying 
on a large seminary at Milton at the time. Rev. Mr. 
Liebenau returned again in 1865 and remained until 
the spring of 1867. Mr. Liebenau had preached here 
at three different periods, and occupied the pulpit for 
many years. He also preached a part of, if not all of 
this time at the Lloyd, now tlighland, Presbyterian 
church. He was a minister of great power and elo- 
quence. People came long distances to hear him. A 
man of no more alnlity has ever preached in the town. 
He delivered many lectures throughout the country 
at lyceums, and on lecture courses. He was very 
zealous and patriotic during the War of the Rebellion, 
and made many patriotic addresses, spoke to large 
assemblies, and by voice and act encouraged enlist- 
ments in the army and was zealous in all patriotic 
work. He lost one son in the army wliich, I believe, 
was his only son. He died several years since at an 
advanced age, — loved, honored and respected every- 
where he was known. After Rev. M. F. Liebenau 
left. Rev. Edgar "W. Clarke again took charge of the 
church and preached for about a 3^ear when his health 
failed. Mr. Clarke, however, continued his school until 
1872. He was also justice of the peace for many 
years; he was a graduate of Williamstown college, 
an eminent scholar, and a man of pleasing manners 



The Peesbyteeian Church at Milton. 373 



and address. He made friends readily and had no 
enemies, and, to the regret of the entire coimnunity 
in 1872 moved to Illinois, where he is now living at 
Paina at an advanced age. 

He was succeeded by llev. J. H. Myers, who came 
in April, 1868, and remained until 1872. Eev. B. F. 
Wile commenced preaching in 1872, and after his 
pastorate was ended, in 1876, was succeeded by Rev. 
Duncan C. Niven who remained until the spring of 
1884. He was a preacher of much force and character, 
perfectly fearless and independent, entire master of 
his own conduct, decided in his views, in religion and 
politics. In debate he asked no quarter and gave none. 
He had the courage of his own convictions and ex- 
pressed his own opinions fearlessly. He was loved 
by some and feared by others, but thought to be 
honest in his convictions, in general. He is now blind, 
and living at Monticello, N. Y., at an advanced age. 
His wife is said to be a lineal descendant of Wolvert 
Ecker, the old patriot. From 1884 until 1892 the pul- 
pit was supplied by Rev. Wm. G. Westervelt. He was 
succeeded by Rev. J. Xapier Husted, who remained 
two years. The Rev. George Allan was installed De- 
cember 18, 1895, and remained until April 28, 1901. 
He is now pastor of the Highland Presbyterian 
ohurch. Everyone liked Mr. Allan, and nothing but 
good can be said of him. Rev. Ra^inond Hubbard 
and William H. Tower have preached since that time. 
In 1907 the Rev. Ivan G. Martin took charge of the 
church. He is an eloquent preacher and destined to 
do much good for the church. 

The Elders of the church since its organization have 
been as follows : Summner Coleman, Enos Van Sick- 
lem, Luther Pratt, Nathaniel Clark, James Ransley, 
Robert Herdman, Abram Miller, Jacob P. Townsend, 
E. W. Watson, R. S. Armstrong, Charles F. Ordway, 
Albert Pattison, J. Oscar Clarke, A. B. Clarke, W. 11. 



374 History of Marlborough. 

Townsend, William A. Goehringer, George P. DuBois^ 
C. S. Brown, E. Y. Jenkins, Wm. H. Townsend, Jr. 
The present trustees are: Geo. P. DiiBois, chairman, 
A. B. Clarke, E. Y. Jenkins, A. C. Jenkins, Edward 
Young, and AV. A. Goehringer. The former house of 
worship cost about $3,000. The present edifice was 
built near the old site in 1900 at an expense of about 
$7,000. The church, though small, is in a prosperous 
condition and free from debt. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 

The first Methodist meeting held in the county and 
the first class meeting was held in the town of Marl- 
borough; and tha Milton M. E. chnrch was the first 
Methodist church of the county. 

The Methodists organized in England in 1729. The 
founders were John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Morgan 
and Kirkman; they formed what they called a " Holy 
Club." In 173(3 the AV-esleys visited America upon 
the invitation of the Governor of Greorgia, with a view 
to the conversion of the Indians and others, but little 
progress was made and they afterward returned to 
England. In 1766 a company of Irish emigrants, of 
which Philip Embury was one, organized the society 
in New York ; and in 1768 they erected in that city the 
first Methodist church in America. About that time 
an Irishman, Robert Strowbridge, organized a society 
and built a log meeting house at Pipe Cre-ek, Mary- 
land ; other emigrants founded a society and church 
in Philadelphia. 

Encouraged by the progress of the sect in America, 
Mr. Wesley sent over two additional laborers in 1769, 
viz. : Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, the 
former being stationed at New York, In 1771 Francis 
Asbury and Richard Wright were added to the work. 
The first conference ever held in this country was 
held at Philadelphia, July 4, 1773. The society spread 
rapidly in the Southern States. After the War of the 
Revolution Wesley issued instructions to his followers 
in the United States that they should make an organi- 
zation independent of the society in England. This 
was done in 1785, and the title of the '' Methodist 
Episcopal church " was adopted to designate the new 

[375] 



376 History of Marlborough. 

society. Philip Asbiiry and Thomas Coke were ap- 
pointed bishops, and the society was divided into dis- 
tricts over which '* elders " were stationed, under 
whose charge two or more preachers were placed. 
The preachers were styled "assistants," and the 
fields in which they labored were called " circuits." 
The itinerant principle was then adopted ; in this way 
the work Avas zealously carried on, amid extreme pri- 
vations, hardships and dangers. 

In 1786, New York and New Jersey were divided 
into two "-elder districts," one of which embraced 
the East Jersey, Newark, New York city, and Long 
Island, " circuits," and formed the extreme northern 
limit of the society in the United States at that time. 
The East Jersey "circuit" bordered on Orange 
county, and had stationed on it as " assistants," John 
McClaskey and Ezekiel Cooper. While Mr. Cooper 
was on this circuit (1786) one of his public services 
was attended l^y Col. David McCamley, who invited 
him to preach at his residence in the town of War- 
wick. Mrs. Arthur Smith, a sister of Col. McCamley, 
was visiting her l)rother at the time of the service 
there, and at her solicitation Mr. Cooper accompanied 
her to her residence in Middlehope, where he held 
the first Methodist service in the town of Newburgh. 
The date at which it was held cannot now be ascer- 
tained, but it was probably in October, 1786. Mr. 
Coo]>er, accompanied ])y Samuel Purdy, also visited 
at this time John Woolsey, near Milton, and having 
established here an outpost for missionary labor far 
beyond the bounds of his circuit, he returned to New 
Jersey. This was the first Methodist meeting held 
in Ulster county. Six weeks later John McClaskey 
and John Cooper passed over the same route, and 
extended the new circuit to the Paltz, where they held 
services at the residencs of Hendrick Deyo and An- 
dries DuBois. They also stopped in the village of 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 377 



Newbiirgli and preached at the house of Eliiathau 
Foster, where a " chiss " was soon after fonned. In 
January Ezekiel Cooper again visited the district 
and held ser\dces at the house of Samuel Fowler in 
Middlehope, which was henceforth a regular preach- 
ing station until 1813. From 1813 to 1822 the meet- 
ings were held in a barn owned by Daniel Holmes in 
the sunnner and in Mr. Fowler's house in the winter. 
Ezekiel Cooper was born February 22, 1763, in 
Caroline county, Maryland. His name first appears 
in the conference minutes in 1785, though he was pre- 
viously employed by Bishop Asbury. He was the first 
''editor and geiieralbook steward" of the society, 
having received that appointment in 1800. Sixty-four 
years of his life was spent in the ministry, and he was 
long regarded as one of the brightest lights of the 
American pulpit. He died on the 21st of February, 
1847, at the age of 84 years. 

The success which attended the efforts of Mr. 
Cooper and his associates led to the organization in 
1788 of the Flanders (N. J.) circuit, which embraced 
this section of country. The preachers on this cir- 
cuit were Jesse Lee, Aaron Hutchinson and John Lee, 
and it had 543 members. In 1789 it was again divided 
and the Xewburgh circuit established, its preachers 
being Nathaniel B. Mills and Andrew Harpending. It 
embraced 261 of the membership of the Flanders cir- 
cuit and was divided into the following " classes " or 
infoiinal societies, viz. : 

Sainl. Fowler's Class, at Middlehope. 
Elnathan Foster's class, at Newbiirgh. 
Mimson Ward's Class, at Fostertown. 
Geo. Stanton's Class, at Gardnertown. 
Daniel Holmes' Class, at Middlehope. 
Jacob Dayton's Class, near Lattintown. 
Lattintown Class, at Lattintown. 
Samuel Wyatt's Class, at Keytown. 
Schultz's Class, at Dolsentown. 



378 History of Marlborough. 



Widow Ellison's Class, at Pocknck. 

Warwick Class, at Warwick. 

John Ellison's Class, at Xew Windsor. 

Luff Smith's Class, near Marlborough. 

David Ostrander's Class, at Plattekill. 

David Stephens' Class, in the Clove. 

IJichard Garrison's Class, in the Clove. 

Saml. Ketcham's Class, near Sugar Loaf. 

Arter's Class, Barton's Class. 

John McWhorter's Class, Long Pond Class. 

These classes continued to be visited by the cir- 
cnit preachers until they ripened into societies of suf- 
ficient strength to support located ministers, or until 
that end was attained by the union of two or more 
classes in a short circuit. 

At this time the Presbyterians, Baptists, and 
Quakers were holding public worship m the town; 
but many joined with the Methodists and became zeal- 
ous in the faith. They held frequent services at the 
houses of the members and their interest became so 
great that these meetings were often kept up all 
night. One of those who attended those meetings has 
transmitted the following circumstance: 

I will now relate a circumstance which shows the peculiar 
care of God over an infant child. My cousin had but one 
child, an infant of six or seven months old. The mother, 
wishing to go to meeting the night above mentioned, said 
" I will give this child to God until I return from meeting." 
Accordingly, she put the child to bed, and locked up the 
house, leaving no person whatever in the house with the child. 
We did not return from meeting that night until the rising 
of the sun. I went in with the parents to see how it was 
with the child, and it appeared to lie Just as it did when the 
mother left it the preceding night. The mother said at the 
meeting that she had given the child into the care of the Lord 
until she returned, for it seemed to her that it was the will 
of God that she should be at the meeting that night. She 
has since said that she could not leave a child so again, unless 
under similar or some very peculiar circumstances. 

Two of the sons of John Woolsey, Elijah and 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 379 

Thomas became circuit preachers, Elijah, who was 
a native of this town and resided liere a greater part 
of his life, has left the following narrative of some of 
his experiences, which will show some of the hard- 
ships that the early preachers had to encounter: 

I now began to exhort sinners to turn to God; and it was 
not long before I felt an impression on my mind that it was 
my duty to preach. I was much troubled on that account ; 
and my trouble increased until I ventured to make a cove- 
nant with tlie Lord that I would preach if I might tarry at 
home. This eased my mind a little, and I began with great 
weekness and fear. And I have often been astonished to 
think how the people could be content to sit and hear me. 
The way I first came to take a text was this : I sent an appoint- 
ment for meeting to a place al)out ten miles off, and when I 
came there, the man of the house said that I must preach, for 
it had been given out that there would be preaching, and that 
the people expected it. I said to myself, " By the grace of God 
I'll try, and if He has not called me to the work, I hope He 
will shut my mouth.'" So I opened my Testament on these 
words, " Come, for all things are ready," and had consider- 
able liberty in my own mind while discoursing thereon. My 
next text was, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock," and 
the liberty with which I was favored greatly exceeded the 
fonner time. This encouraged me much, and I began to 
arrange my appointments from this time somewhat in the form 
of a circuit. My next appointment was at the house of a 
Baptist, and my text was, "Behold, these three years I come 
seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none." I had a good 
time in declaring the word of the Lord, and when I had done 
a Baptist woman came to ine and said, " You have preached 
the greatest Methodist sermon I ever heard in my life." * * * 

My brother Thomas received license to preach a little be- 
fore I did; mine was sent to me from the quarterly confer- 
ence. At this time my iather had a large farm, and I and 
my brother used to assist him in the cultivation of it. But 
there seemed to be a call for one of us at least to take circuit. 
So my brother joined the conference, and was appointed to a 
•circuit in the north part of the state of Xew York. This 
was in the year 1792. When my brother returned from the 
conference, father was not willing he should go to the circuit, 
he being under age, and I l)eing okler than he, took his place, 
and the next day started for my appointment. Father G. was 



380 History of Marlborough, 

presiding elder, and brother K. was ray colleague. I had not 
traveled six mouths before the charms of " sweet home " al- 
most overcame me; for our family was a very happy one. We 
were very happy in each other's company then together, and 
though I had cheerfully left them, I cast "many a longing, 
look behind." One day I had three appointments, and nearly 
forty miles to ride. When I came to my evening's appointment, 
the man of the house met me at the gate, and informed mfr 
that my brother Thomas was in the house. I was so ever- 
come with joy that I did not attempt to preach that night,, 
neither could I sleep after I had gone to bed. My brother, 
however, supplied my ])lace in preaching; so there was no loss- 
to the people. The next morning my brother agreed to supply 
my place on the circuit for six weeks, and let me go home^ 
I accepted of his kindness, and visited my relations, who greatly 
rejoiced at my return. But strange to tell, I had not been 
long at home before 1 felt as great an anxiety to return to- 
my circuit as I did to leave it, in order to visit my friends. 
So before six weeks had elapsed I went to my work again, and 
in a short time was appointed to another circuit, leaving my 
brother in the first appointment. 

In my new circuit I met with hard fare, and many trials. 
The country was tliinly inhabited. Iji some places there were 
no regular roads. We followed marked trees for eight or 
nine miles together. Provisions were' scarce, and of the home- 
liest kind. In some instances our greatest luxuries were 
roasted potatoes. But thank God, we did not stay long at 
each place. Our appointments for preaching were numerous^ 
and the distance between them very considerable. " Sponging " 
was not the " besetting sin " of those days, nor "large sala- 
ries " our greatest snare. Sometimes I had no bed to lie on, 
nor blanket to cover me in the coldest weather. My saddle- 
bags were my pillow, and my great coat my "comfortable.'* 
The consequence was, repeated and violent colds, which laid 
the foundation for those infirmities which have for the last 
two years made me " a supernumerary." Could we have had 
wherewith to purchase a buffalo rol^e, and convenience for 
carrying it, we might have escaped some of the " shadows of 
itinerancy." Nothwithstanding, however, the hard toils and 
the hard fare of my first winter's appointment, I saw good times 
in another respect, and formed some new classes within the 
bounds of the circuit, and added to the church eighty-eight 
hopeful members. 

I attended the conference in 1T93, and arrived at the place 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 381 

in the evening, and was appointed to preach the next day; 
but the cross of having to preach before the preachers was so 
great, that I slept none that night, but prayed and wept con- 
tinually. As I went to the meeting-house my knees smote one 
against the other, and when I was in the pulpit, I treml)led so 
much that I could not hold the hymn-book steady enough to see 
to read the hymn, without laying it on the pulpit and placing 
jny hand on it. I then thought I should not live long, if such 
were to be my trials. After prayer, however, I gave out my 
text, and my fears were soon gone, and by help of the Lord I 
preached for once, if I ever lireached in my life. I had brought 
no written recommendation with me to the conference, but my 
presiding elder spoke to Bishop Asbury, who wished me to 
relate my experience and call to the work of the ministry, 
the bishop and conference seemed satisfied. I was received 
on trial into the travelling connection, and was appointed six 
months to one circuit, and six months to another, for the 
succeeding year. During the latter part of the year I had 
some exercises of mind respecting offering myself as a mis- 
sionary for Canada, for at that time it was customary to send 
to Canada only such as volunteered to go. 

At the conference in 1T91, D. Dunham came from Canada, 
and asked me if I would go with him to the province. I 
consented; and though I had not had a regular appointment 
more than one year, the conference accepted of my two years' 
service, such as it was, and I was ordained a deacon in the 
church of God, and I was now going out of the states, I was 
ordained elder the next day. J. Coleman was appointed to go 
with us. So after conference we set out for Canada. But 
the parting with my relatives and near friends was a great 
trial to me, and I was glad when I was out of sight of the 
house. We went by the way of Albany and Schenectady. At 
Albany we laid in our provisions for the journey. When we 
came to Schenectady we found that the company with whom 
we had intended to go had taken their departure. So we 
tarried a week, and provided ourselves with a boat. Two men 
had engaged to go with us, and to work their passage up the 
Mohawk, but an enemy to the Methodist persuaded them to 
relinquish their engagement with lis, which they did, and 
went with him. We were then left alone, and had to work our 
own passage. When we came to the fifst rapids, which by the 
Dutch people are called '' knock 'em stiff," we had our difficul- 
ties. I had never used the setting pole in my life, and my 
colleague, J. C, was not a verv good waterman. When we 



382 History of Marlborough, 

had almost ascended the rapids, the boat turned round, and 
down the stream she went, much more rapidly then she went 
up. We tried again, and when we had almost conquered the 
ditticulty, tlie boat turned again. 1 then jumped overboard, 
thinking to save the boat from going down stream; l)ut the 
water was over my head. So away went the boat, with my 
com|)anions in it, and I swam to shore. The next time we 
" doubled the cape,'' and that day made a voyage of ten miles. 
At night Ave brought u]) the l)oat, and made her fast to a tree. 
We then kindled a ilre. put on the tea-kettle and the cooking- 
pot, boiled our potatoes, made our tea, and ate our supper 
Avith a good ap])etite and a clear conscience, and after smoking 
our pipes and chatting a while, we sung and prayed, and then 
laid ourselves down among the sand and pebbles on the bank 
of the river to rest; but I was so wearied Avith the toils of 
the day that I could not sleep much that night. 

Xext morning, about daybreak, a man and his son hailed us 
from the other side of the river, and Avished to know, if they 
might AA'ork their passage to Eome, a distance of about eighty 
miles from the spot Avhere Ave Avere. Brother Dunham told 
them if they Avere civil men, and behave accordingly, they 
might, and Ave Avould find them provisions. So Ave soon started, 
but had not gone far before one of them began to SAvear pro- 
fanely. We told him if he did not cease SAvearing A^^e would 
set them ashore. Xot long after this, some things did not 
please him, and he began swearing again as before. Brother 
D., being at the helm, steered the boat toward the shore, and 
gave him his bundle, and told him to go, saying that he Avould 
not have a swearer on board. So Ave parted, and found that 
Ave\ got along better without them ; and that day, by the set- 
ting of the sun, we roAved up stream about forty miles. We 
put ashore, as on the preceding night, collected the leaves 
together, and made our couch as comfortable as Ave could, for 
Ave had no other place for that time Avhereon to lay our heads, 
being in some sense like the patriarch of old, Avhen he was on 
his Avay to Padan-aram. Our toil by day made repose Avelcome 
at night, so that Avhen the morning light appeared Ave Avere 
rather loath to leave our humble beds. The Aveather, hoAvever, 
warned us to depart. It became stormy by day, and much 
more so by night. We had rain and snow fifteen days out of 
nineteen during that journey. When Ave Avere going doAvn the 
Oswego river, tAvo men hailed us from the shore, and desired 
to work their passage about twenty miles. It Avas very stormy. 
I AA'as very Avcary, and glad to rest a little ; so Ave took them 



Methodism in the Town of Marlboeough. 383 

in, and I took the helm ; hut heing warm with worlv, and tlien 
sitting still in the boat, I took a violent cold. Toward even- 
ing we saw a small log house, and went to it. We found the 
woman sick in bed, and the man in poor health. They had 
three children, and but very little to eat. Here we lodged all 
night. I laid me down on the stones of the floor, which were 
very hard and imeven, but we kept a good fire all night, and 
I got into a perspiration, which relieved me of my cold a 
little, so that in the morning I felt much better than on the 
preceding night. Brother 1)., being a physician, administered 
some medicine to the woman, which greatly relieved her. She 
appeared to be a pious woman, and had been a member of the 
Baptist church at Eidgefield, in Connecticut, but said she had 
never seen a Methodist before. "We had a very pleasant and 
edifying interview with the family, that evening, in religious 
conversation, singing, and prayer. When we discovered that 
they were so destitute of provisions, we divided our little stock, 
and shared with them of all that we had. They appeared 
equally surprised and thankful ; — surprised that Methodists 
(of whom they had heard strange things in their own country) 
could be both religious and kind, and thankful for the timely 
relief. They wished that we would tell any of our ]\Iethodist 
friends, who might have to travd that way, to be sure and 
call on them. They desired us also, if ever we came within 
forty miles of them, to l^e sure and go that distance at least 
out of our way to see them — telling us that we should be w-el- 
come to any thing that the house or farm afforded. The 
house, however, was" not likely to afford much, and there w-as 
scarcely anything on the farm but forest trees. This was the 
only time, during our Journey of nineteen days, that we found 
a house to shelter us ; and it was good for that family that they 
entertained the strangers, for we were in truth as angels of 
mercy to them. They must have suffered greatly had we not 
called on them. 

At night I have often hunted for a stone or a stick for a 
pillow, and in the morning when I took hold of the oar or set- 
ting pole T had to do it as gently as I could, by reason of the 
soreness of my hands, which were much blistered and bruised 
in rowing the boat. We attended to family worship both uiglit 
and morning, although we slept in the woods, and the pn-sence 
of the Lord was with us of a truth. A\Tien we arrived at tlie 
fort of Oswego, on lake Ontario, we were searched to see if wo 
were not, " running goods," as they called it. This affair Ixnng 
adjusted without any difficulty — for we were neither spies nor 



384 History of Marlborough. 

smugglers — we were now ready to emliark on the lake, l)ut the 
wind blowing high, we were detained two days longer. At 
length there was a calm, and we ventured out on the broad lake ; 
and when we had gone about twenty miles, the wind rose again, 
and blew right ahead, so that we had to change our course, and 
steer- for the Black river country. The wind was boisterous, 
and the waves dashed terrible against our little bark, and before 
we reached the shore we struck a rock, and split our boat — a 
circumstance which made sailing still more dangerous and un- 
pleasant. We had a quantity of l)Ooks on board, which were con- 
siderably injured l)y l)eing wet. When we came ashore we made 
a fire, and dried our clothes and the books, and mended our 
l)oat as well as we could. The next day we embarked again 
on the lake, Init the wind was right ahead, which caused us 
to turn our course. We made for Salmon river, where we put 
in for that day; and early in the morning of the next day we 
started again, and pulled at the oars till daylight disappeared 
in the west. We went round Stony Point, and into Hungary 
bay, and landed on Grenadier island. When we struck the 
shore I sprang out of the boat and fell down on the beach, and 
thought I never knew rest to bo so sweet before. But we were 
sensible that it would not do to sit still; therefore we kindled 
a fire, hung on the tea-ket*tle, cooked some vituals — ate our 
supper, attended family worship, and retired to rest. Our 
weariness invited repose, nor did the murmur of the waves dis- 
turl) our slumbers ; and besides, we had that very necessary 
requisite to sound sleep, recommended by Dr. Franklin, namely, 
a good conscience. On this island we found a fortification, 
and trees, which seemed to be at least one hundred years old, 
growing in the intrenchment. The island is in the mouth of 
Hungary bay, and is subject to high winds. Here we were 
detained until we were brought to an allowance of 1:)read, having 
only one biscuit a day. I would have given considerable for a 
piece of bread as big as my hand, if I could have obtained it; 
l)ut we were afraid of making too free with our little stock, lest 
it should not last us until we could get from the island. We 
ate our last biscuit about the middle of the day we left the 
island, and got into harbour on the main land about 11 o'clock 
at night, and glad enough we were when we landed. We put up 

that night at the house of our kind friend, Parrott, Esq. 

He and his wife were members of our church, and received us 
very kindly. We informed him how it had 1)een with us 
respecting food. Sister Parrott hastened to make supper ready, 
but it was as much as I could do to keep my hands from the 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 385 



bread until all was ready. We took care not to eat too much 
that night, fearing it might not be so well for us. We retired 
to rest on feather beds, but it was a restless night to us all. 
Brother Coleman had a mind to leave the bed and take to the 
floor, but I told him we must get used to it; so he submitted. 
But our slumbers were not half so sweet as on the sandy beach 
and pebbled shore, when we were rocked by the wind, and lulled 
by the rippling wave. 

One of the " lights,'' or joyful circumstances of "■' itinerancy," 
is the meeting together, and mutual comforts of the preachers. 
One of the " shadows," or sorrowful circumstances, is, the sepa- 
ration, and solitary sufferings. I and my companions were 
now called to part. Brother Dunham went to Niagara circuit, 
brother Coleman to Bay Quinte, and I to Oswegothe, and we 
were so far apart that we could not often meet. I used to go 
sometimes to visit brother C. The distance Avas sixty or seventy 
miles, and a great part of the way I had to travel by the help of 
marked trees, instead of roads. One day I was lost in the 
woods, and wandered about for some time, and being on foot 
I tore my clothes very much with brushwood. But I got safely 
through at last, and our meeting was more joyful than if either 
of us had found a purse of gold. 

On my circuit also I had some gracious seasons. At one 

place, in the fourth town, at brother W 's, I used to 

preach with great liberty ; but when I had done I felt barren in 
my own soul, and as much like an empty cask as anything to 
which I could compare myself. It seemed as if I had given all 
away, and had nothing left for myself. I was much dissatisfied 
with myself, notwithstanding the people would often signify 
their approbation. My soul was in great distress, for I feared 
lest it should be found that I had " daubed with untempercd 
mortar." I wanted to have the people blessed, and wished that 
brother D. would come and preach there, for the people flocked 
to hear, and I thought he might do them good. The more the 
people applauded the worse I felt. I then studied and prayed 
to know the will of God respecting them, and at length con- 
cluded that I would preach in a more terrific manner when I 
came there again, and so I did ; and when I had closed my 
meeting my soul was full of peace, and I rejoiced in God my 
Saviour. I then said to brother W., who was the leader of the 
class, " I now feel happy, and that I have done my duty, and if 
one half of the congregation were to oppose me. it would not 
disturb my peace." 

The next day I heard that the people were dissatisfied. One 
13 



386 History of Maelboeough. 

said, " He is not the man lie used to be." Another said, " He 
now shows liis cloven foot ;" and others said they would hear 
me again. But these things did not move me. By the grace 
of God I stood 

" Firm as an iron pillar strong, 

And steadfast as a wall of brass." 

When I came there again, instead of my large and siniling 
congregation. I had Init al)Oiit thirty hearers; but neither did 
this move. Before preaching I went into a room by myself to 
pray. While thinking on what text I should preach, a passage 
of Scripture came to my mind, and such a field opened before 
me, that I was almost lost to all things here below. AMien I 
began my meeting a young woman fell' to the floor and cried 
for mercy ; and soon after another cried out for mercy. I 
thought I must finish my sermon, luit I might as well have 
preached to the walls, the cries of the mourners were so great; 
so I left my pulpit, which was nothing more than a chair, and 
went to the mourners, and prayed for them, and encouraged 
them to believe on the Lord Jesus. The first that cried for 
2nercy said, in an agony of soul, "Here, Lord, I am, poor, 
miserable, Avretched sinner, that never did any good in all my 
life, and I cannot get up without a blessing." And then she 
would raise her voice and say, " Xo, Lord, I will not get up 
without a blessing." She was in this situation for hours, and 
at length found peace to lier soul. She then prayed for her 
sister, as she called her. who was by this time in such an agony 
that she tore her hair, and b.eat her head on the hearth until 
her mother became alarmed for her, and ran to her and said, 
" My dear daughter, compose yourself, for you will kill your- 
self," at which the daughter said, " Mother, let me alone, for 
I will have Jesus, or die." She soon found peace to her soul. 
The young women then kissed each other, and one said to the 
otlier. " Well, sister, we Avill tell everybody what a Jesus we have 
found, and they will all come, for we will tell them all about it, 
and they will come."' " Yes." said the other, " I love God, and 
God loves me: I love Jesus, and Jesus loves me:' T love the 
Christians, and the Christians love me : I love every body, and 
every body loves me." I said to the leader, Avho stood by 7ne 
at the time, " I think that she will find that every body does not 
love her, if she does them." I was satisfied, however, that she 
was born of God, and blessed with a good measure of that love 
which " thinketh no evil." and I was thankful for these tokens 
of good. 

I will now relate a curious fact respecting the family at whose 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 387 

house we held this meeting. Before the revolutionary war, the 
man and his family lived in Pittsfield, Mass., and in the com- 
mencement of hostilities he joined the, (king's) army, and went 
into Canada, and left his wife at home. They had no corre- 
spondence with each other during the Avar. Her parents lived 
in Canada at the time. A young man at Pittsfield having a 
desire to make her his wife, and finding that he could not have 
access to her without using deception, forged a letter in the 
name of her father, stating that her husband w^as dead. She 
dressed in mourning for him. and at a suitable time, (as he 
would have it,) he made her a visit, and at length they were 
married. At the close of the war the husband came home; but 
before he arrived he heard that his wife was married to another 
man, and that she had heard that he was dead. He then con- 
cluded that she had been deceived, and that he would go and 
see her. She had never heard from him until he came in at 
the door. She recognized him as soon as she saw him. She 
was rocking the cradle at the time, in which lay an infant which 
she had by the man that had married her in her husband's 
absence. She was ver\' much frightened when she saw him. 
He requested her not to be frightened, and expressed a wish 
to see the father of her child. The father soon came in, and 
the husljand introduced himself to him by telling him his name, 
and pointing to his wife, said, " That is my wife." The im- 
postor replied, " Xo, she is my wife." The husband replied 
again, " She is my wife, and you have deceived her, and since 
she has been deceived, if she is willing to go with me, I shall 
never reflect on her. I have nothing," said he, " but my blanket, 
and my knapsack ;" at which the woman replied, " I wall go." 
Then the deceiver said, " You must go with only your clothes." 
She replied, " I will go with them only." He said she should 
not have the babe. She answered, she would go wnthout it. So 
she left the babe in the cradle, and took her other two children 
with her and departed. 

They tarried all night in the woods the first night, and so 
on until they got into Canada. He then drew, as a bounty, 
two hundred acres of land for himself, fifty for his wife, and 
two hundred for his children, and two years' provisions, wath 
farming utensils, and then settled on his farm near the river 
St. Lawrence, where I found him. He said he did not know 
that there was a tree cut down when he got there. So he 
stretched his blanket by the four corners, and that was his tent, 
until he had cut down the trees, and rolled the logs together, 
and built a hut for his family, and afterwards a house, etc. 



388 History of Marlboeough, 

Wlien the Methodist preachers came along, this family heard 
them, and embraced religion, and were ornaments to the cause. 
Their son and daughter also embraced the same faith, and in 
process of time married and settled near them. And the little 
daughter that was left an infant, when her father had failed in 
business, hearing that she had a mother in Canada, ran away, 
and came to her and introduced herself, and was received joy- 
fully by all the family, and was soon brought to ex])erience 
religion, and married, and settled near her mother. When I 
found them they were in very comfortable circumstances. The 
husband never chided the wife, or seemed to think amiss of her, 
believing that she had been deceived; and the Avoman verified 
that scripture which says, " I will now return unto my first 
husband, for then it was better with me than now." And the 
circumstance affords an instance of the puritv and strength of 
the " first love." 

I shall now relate a circumstance which to me seemed an 
extraordinary interposition of divine Providence in the case of 
Paul Glasford, a brother to one of the young women before 
mentioned. He was but little more than four years old when 
the circumstance ha])pened. His father's family were moving 
from the Bay of Quinte to ]!^iagara, in a small boat. "Wlien 
they were within forty miles of Niagara, they went ashore to 
cook some victuals; and there being some sarsaparilla growing 
in the woods near by, the mother said she would give sixpence 
to that child that would gather most. So Paul went with the 
rest of the children to gather sarsaparilla ; but when they thought 
they had gathered enough to gain the promised reward, they 
ran toward the lake, leaving Paul behind, who thought within 
himself that he would gather the most, and thus ensure the 
reward. At length he started, and ran. as he thought, toward 
the place where the company were ashore, l3ut soon lost his way. 
He continued running al)Out and crying until nearly sundown. 
He then came down to the lake, but knew not whether he was 
before or behind the company. So he ran about on the beach, 
first one way then another, until it began to grow dark. He 
then gave over running and crying, and fixed on a plan to go 
to Niagara. Having heard his friends say that they were now 
within forty miles of the place of their destination, he thought 
he could get through in four days. But what should he do for 
food ? He concluded that he could live without eating during 
that time, and so he laid himself down to rest upon the sandy 
l)each. But his mind was greatly agitated respecting his safety. 
He had heard that some persons, when waked out of sleep, were 



Methodism in the Town of Maelborough. 



389 



so lost to evervthing about them, as not to know where they 
were, or which' wav to go; and lest this should be his case, he 
made a hole in the sand to lie down in, and set up a stick point- 
ing the way he must go. He then covered himself all over, 
except his liead, with sand, and composed himself to sleep. In 
the morning he rose as cheerful as the lark, and pursued his 
wav without crving, for three days more, being careful at night 
to set his little staff in the sand. Sometimes he traveled on the 
beach and sometimes, when he had to double a cape, he ascended 
the rocks ; but was alwavs careful to keep within sight of the 
lake On his wav he f(nind some grapes, of which he gathered 
enough to eat at' the time, and to fill his pockets besides. He 
had heard his mother sav it was not good to eat many grapes 
at once, and thinking, as all good children do, that what mother 
says must be true, he only allowed himself to eat one bunch at 
a time. This was good economy for a child ; for by this means 
his little stock lasted the longer, and his health was not injured 
by over eating. On his Journey he saw two or three Indians 
coming along the shore, and was afraid they would carry him 
away; but he hid himself behind a tree. Their dog came very 
near him, but did not discover him, nor did the Indians see 
him ; and he was verv glad when they were out of sight. And 
who is there that knows anv thing of the horrors of captivity 
but would be glad too for the little traveler? On the fourth 
dav he arrived at Xiagara, to the great joy of his parents, and 
to "the surprise of all that knew the circumstance. Even the 
governor himself was so astonished at the fact, that he sent for 
the little bov, and would have kept him, if his mother had been 
willing to give him up. The family had searched for him with 
great "anxietv for three days. They made large fires, and fired 
guns, but ail to no purpose; and when they came to the con- 
clusion that he was lost, and to proceed without him, they had 
to take his mother by force, and put her into the boat. Provi- 
dence, however, overruled the whole, and restored the lost son 
to his mother and friends ; and herein was that scripture ful- 
filled, " When mv father and mother forsake me, then the Lord 
shall take me up." The son was eighteen years old when I saw 
him, and distinctly recollected the whole affair, as if it had been 
but 'a few days past. I have since been informed that he has 
embraced religion, and has become a circuit steward. 

AVe were favored with good times on the circuit that year. 
In the second town I formed a class of seventeen members,, 
mostly seekers ; l)ut when I came round again, they had found" 
peace to their souls. I also formed a class in the north-east 



390 History of^ Marlboeough, 

part of the fourth town, of ten members, all mourners; and it 
was with them as ^Ir. Wesley once said, " They were ripe for the 
gospel." They thought they must do every thing the preacher 
said. So I told them they must pray, and on the Lord's day 
they must meet togetlier and worshij^ God as well as they could. 
They must repent, and Ijelieve, and God would l^less them. They 
accordingly met together, read the Scriptures, and sung hymns 
with one another, but for some time no one dared to pray. At 
length one woman said she had as much reason to pray as any 
one there and then, and added, " Let us pray." When she 
began, they all began, and all found peace, except herself. Her 
husband said she was on her knees ten times on their way home, 
and when in sight of home she cried out, " Lord, must I be the 
only one that goes home without a blessing? Bless me, even 
me, 0, my God." She did not pray in vain ; but though for a 
time she was seemingly refused an answer, the Lord at length 
spoke peace to her soul. She and her husband then went on 
their way rejoicing, and the little flock prospered greatly from 
this time forward as long as I continued with them. "Wlien the 
time came for me to leave the circuit, they were so afraid that 
they should l)e left without preaching, (inasmuch as the preach- 
ers that went to C^anada volunteered,) that they offered their 
lands. One and another offered fifty acres, and so on, according 
to their abilities. I told them I did not come after their lands, 
but that they might depend on having preaching, notwithstand- 
ing my removal. One man followed me down to the water side, 
and there we sat for some time, and talked and wept together; 
and when I got into the boat, he threw his arms around me, and 
waded knee deep into the water, and said, " If you will but come 
back again, as long as I have two mouthfuls of bread you shall 
have one." Thus we parted, with mingled emotions of pleasure 
and regret. It was to me a source of inexpressible satisfaction 
that I had been made useful to a few of my fellows, though of 
another nation ; and the thought of meeting them on Canaan's 
happy shore, after the trials of life are over, and of greeting 
them as my spiritual cliildren, often gilds the shadows of my 
supernumerary hours, and gives V)rilliancy to the rays of my 
descending sun. 

We then made our wav toward the conference, which was 
appointed to be held in Xew York. We started from the Bay 
of Quinte in a batteau. with a change of oarsmen, or double 
manned. xA.bout sunset we left the shore, and got across '.he 
lake while it was calm. I had had the ague and fever, and had 
missed having it only a few days ; and one of the hands failing 



Methodism in the To^v^IS^ of Marlborough. 391 

abo^^t 11 o'clock, p. m., it fell to my lot to take his place. Tlie 
labour of rowing- together with the night air, brought on a re- 
turn of my disorder. When we were going up the Oswego 
river we called to see our host, the good man mentioned before, 
whose wife was sick at the time we first called. The family 
appeared to be very glad to see us. The woman said she was 
as glad to see us as she would have heeii to see her own father. 
They seemed to l:)e doing well as to the things of this world. 
The man had cleared some of his land, and planted corn, 
potatoes, &c. They had also two or three cows. They kindly 
invited us to tarry awhile, which we readily consented to do. 
We told them we had plenty of dry provisions, and asked the 
woman if she had any milk, and said we should l)e glad of a 
little.' They had plenty of good milk, but that was not con- 
sidered good enough, hy our generous hostess, for the men who 
had visited them in their affliction, and had relieved them in 
their distresses. So she offered us cream, but we refused at 
first to eat of it, until her generosity overcame our scruples. 
Some writers of the present day have accused the Methodist 
preachers of sponging; l)ut I can testify, for one, that in those 
days, though we sometimes carried our provisions with us, we 
never carried a sponge, neither in our pockets nor in our hearts, 
even when the friends who entertained us were very thinly 
scattered through the country. ^Much less is there any need or 
disposition for any thing of the kind now. 

Having digressed a little, I must now return to my sul^ject. 
Such was the gratitude of this family for the kindness we had 
shown them on our way to Canada, that it seemed as if they 
never could do enough to make us welcome. Had they been 
as rich as Abraham of old, I have no doubt they w^ould have 
"killed the fatted calf" for us, and " l)aked cakes" for our 
entertainment, for thev boiled of their potatoes and green corn 
for us, and laid heavy contributions upon the cucumbers and 
water melons for our sakes, accounting nothing too good for us 
that was in their power to l)estow. The good man went three 
or four miles up the river with us in order to help us up the 
rapids, and when we parted wished us every blessing. 

Xor was this the only instance of kindness that T have wit- 
nessed during the years of my itinerancy. How often have I 
seen the aged grandsire, with silvery locks, and eyes bedewed 
with tears of gladness, rise up at the sound of a preacher's voice, 
as he rode up to the little gate in front of the house, to welcome 
his return on the " circuit-preaching day," while the heir to the 
estate, and his amiable consort, have each responded, " Welcome 



392 History of Marlborough, 

to our abode once again, brother ." And there was 'he 

little grandson ever ready, as soon as the preacher alighted 
from his horse, to mount him, and ride to the pasture, or take 
him to the stable. And there were the lovely daughters of 
" mine host," emulous of each other, to see which should be the 
first to take my hat and cloak, or saddle-bags from my hand, 
and set me a chair; while aged grandmother, with her spec- 
tacles on, a short pipe in her mouth, l)oth of which were laid 
aside at the sound of my name, in order that she might inquire 
after the welfare of distant friends, or listen for a brief moment 
to the short recital of the affairs of the circuit, and the state 
of religion, and things in general. While this has been going 
on, the eldest daughter has announced to her mother that the 
tea was readv, and then, after invoking Heaven's blessing, have 
we set round the old-fashioned circular tal)le with as glad hearts 
and as cheerful countenances as ever were seen in the tent of a 
patriarch, or at a Persian feast. And after the "evening 
preaching,'' during the long night of winter, what social hours 
have I spent beneath the hospitable roof of some of our pious 
farmers in our excellent country, where no less than a dozen 
children and grandchildren have graced the circle — " all edu- 
cated," more or less, ''■ all virtuous," and dutiful, and more than 
half of them " decidedly religious " — 

" While hymns of thanksgiving, with liarmony swelling, 

All warm from the hearts of the family band, 
Half raised us from earth to the rapturous dwelling 

Described in the Bible that lay on the stand." 

And then on the morning of my departure, (for circuit- 
riders cannot often stay more than one night at a place,) after 
family prayers and l)reakfast, what smiles and expressions of 
good will have I seen and heard again and again ! To say 
nothing of the " blessings and good wishes " that attended me 
on my last round, and the happy greeting on my return to the 
circuit after a few years' absence, even the ordinary pleasures 
and comforts of a two weeks', four weeks', or six weeks' circuit, 
are such as none but traveling preachers know. They are the 
" lights of itinerancy," and they must be recorded to the honour 
of Methodism, and to the glory of God. 

We got through our Journey in thirteen days, whereas in 
going to Canada we were nineteen days. But before we had 
ascended the Oswego river, I had the ague and fever every day, 
which made it very tedious for me; and when we came to 
Oneida lake, being in the month of August, the weather was 



Methodism in the Town of Marlboeough. 



593 



very hot, and havins the fever, and lying in the heat of the sun, 
I was almost overc^ome. My companions at length concluded 
to take me to the shore, where I could Ije in the shade, and 
accordino-lv thev did, which, when I had fairly gained, I fainted, 
and the first thing I knew was, one had hold of my hand, and 
was callino- to the rest to come and assist him. It seemed to 
me as if f had just waked out of sleep. At one time I laid all 
night by the side of a fence, with a Inirning fever raging m every 
vein, without anv covering but my clothes, or canopy Init the 
vaulted heavens, "with not so much as Jonah's gourd to shelter 
me from the chilling dews, or downy pillow on which to recline 
my weary head. These were some of the " shadows of itmer- 
ancv ;" but they also have " fled away." 

men we came to New-York the yellow fever was there, m 
consequence of which the conference was removed to White 
Plains in Westchester countv, Xew-York. The session was a 
very pleasant one. The preachers, after an aljsence of twelve 
months, were glad to see each other. We loved one another, and 
while we were together the Spirit of glory and God rested upoii 
us. We felt willing to live, to suffer, and to die together. It 
one had received a Uttle more than his Ijrother, he was willing 
to divide with him. To be sure, we felt sensible of our de- 
ficiencies, as well in regard to remuneration as qualifications for 
the work'. But we hoped to share the spoil together in a better 
world, when all our toils are over, and all our griefs are spent ; 
and this hope was as an anchor to the soul amidst all the 
tempests and l)illows with which we had to contend. 

When the appointments were read out, the preachers appeared 
to receive them glad! v. My appointment was to the Bay of 
-Quinte circuit. On our way to Canada, we were met at 
Schenectady bv some of our Canadian friends, who helped us 
on our way. We ascended the IMohawk in company with Cap- 
tain Parrott. who, though not a professor of religion, was very 
friendly, and we got along without any difficulty until we came 
to the Oneida lake. When we arrived at the lake, the wind was 
very high, and the lake was all in a foam, which continued all 
that da"v, and until about midnight. The wind then ceased, 
and the" troubled waters became calm. About 1 o'clock, a. m., 
we embarked and after we had rowed about six miles down the 
lake, the wind l)egan to roar tremendously, and streaks of light 
brought through the clouds in a manner I had not seen before. 
Our captain seemed to understand it as foreboding a heavy storm. 
We therefore made what preparation we could to encounter it. 
We spread our little sail, expecting the wind aft. We lashed 



394 History of Marlborough. 



two oars to the stern. The wind soon strnck us, but we received 
no particular damage. Tlie clouds were dense and dismal, and 
the waves broke over us with fury. Our friend, the captain, 
though an old sailor, was frightened, and cried out, " We are 
all dead men!" T said, " The Lord will provide;" and yet, not- 
withstanding my firm conviction in the power and mercy of the 
Lord, I sometimes feared for a moment that the lake would be 
my grave. These fears, however, were salutary ; they caused me 
to examine myself, and the motives which induced me to under- 
take the work in which I was engaged. At length the good 
providence of God brought us safe through. When we reached 
the shore we all rejoiced. The captain said he did not mucli 
expect, at one time, ever to set foot on dry land again, and that 
all his hopes were founded on this consideration, namely, he 
did not know but that the Lord might spare his life for the 
preachers' sakes. 

In due time we arrived in Canada, and our friends received 
us gladly. We enjoyed many seasons of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord on the circuit, although I experienced 
many hardships in the course of the year. Some part of the 
circuit I had to travel on foot, being unable to get my horse 
across the bays and rivers. Sometimes I had to travel fifteen 
miles a day, preach twice, and have never set down from Ihe 
rising to the setting of the sun. My knees and ankles pained 
me very much ; and when I was preaching I used to stand some- 
times on one foot, and then on tlie other, to get rest. But rest 
was not easily ol)tained, even in bed, my knees and ankles were 
so swelled and full of pain. My soul, however, was happy in 
the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour. The flesh 
was often weak, but the spirit was willing to endure hardness as 
a good soldier for Christ's sake. 

On this circuit I used to meet the natives, the red men of 
the forest. One time, as brother D. and I were riding near 1he 
woods, we saw, a little ahead of us, a company of Indians, fifteen 
in number. They had l)een drinking too much, and Avere 
painted as if tliey were going to war, a red streak of an inch 
wide, and a Ijlack streak of the same width, all over their faces 
and hair, most frightful to behold. When we came up with 
them, we saluted them with, " Sago, brother," at which they 
returned the same salutation. But they got before our horses, 
and made motions for us to dismount, which we were not in- 
clined to do, and shook our heads to intimate the same. They 
then took hold of the horses' bridles. We again shook our heads. 
They then took hold of our legs, but we pushed them away. 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 395 



They then let lis pass, after giving sucli a yell as made the woods 
ring again. But we were right glad when we had got rid of 
such troublesome company. Some of the natives are good 
singers. There was one named Eed Jacket, with whom I used 
to sing. He had the Psalms translated into Indiart, and would 
sing in Indian while I sung in English. The Xew Testannmt 
and Psalms were said to be translated l)y Capt. Brandt. He 
lived near Grassy Point. I have often passed by the place, and 
seen his house many times. He was rich, and had much of this 
world's goods. I also saw the wife of Sir John Johnson. She 
was one of the natives, and wore her satin blanket. I also saw 
her voungest daughter. She was very fair to look upon, in 
consequence of which one gentleman killed himself l)ecause he 
could not get her to wife. Thus he died " as a fool dieth." 

Having finished my tour on this circuit, and my mission in 
Canada, I repaired again to the conference, which was held in 
New York. 

On the Flanders, Xew Jersey circuit, 1801. "* * * So I 
began, by saying what I seldom allowed myself to say, namely, 
I had no more douljt that God would bless the people that day 
than I had of his existence, or the reality of religion. And 
truly it was a great and glorious time that day. I did not leave 
the house until eleven o'clock at night, and many stayed all 
night. When I went in the morning to regulate things a little, 
I found the superfluities of dress strewed all around in the 
house, and the people actually refused to carry them away with 
them. On the Sabbath it was thought there were six thousand 
persons present. There was preaching from the pulpit, ex- 
horting from the windows, and sinners crying for mercy in the 
house and out of it. Prom this meeting this work spread all 
around the circuit, and many were added unto the Lord that 

Soon after this I set off for the conference, Avhich was held 
this year (1802) in Philadelphia. "We had an agreeable time 
all through the season. My lot was to return again to Flanders 
circuit, and I had for my colleague Gamaliel Bailey. The. 
revival continued, and there was a considerable addition to the 
societies in the course of the year, a number of whom were set 
off to another circuit. At one place, " the Log Jail," we had 
a good time, and the work of the Lord went on prosperously. 
We preached at the house of one Amos Mann, a spiritual son 
of Benjamin Abbott, and a very good one he was. * * * 
Our congregation soon became so large that the house would 
not contain them. I then said to brother Mann, " You must 



396 History of Marlborough. 



enlarge your house." He said, " I will have another house 
enclosed by the time you come here again." And so it was. 
We had now two houses, and they were both filled. At the next 
meeting, however, we had to take the open air for our temple, 
though the weather was very cold. To accommodate the 
preacher as well as they could, they fixed up a l)lanket to keep 
off' the cold north-west wind, and under these circumstances I 
preached to the people, while they sat on the ground. * * * 
In 1803 our conference was held at a place called Duck Creek, 
in the state of Delaware. At this place the Quakers gave us 
the use of their meeting-house to hold our conference in, and 
we had preaching in ours every day; and as it was judged that 
at the conference held in that place the time before, there were 
a hundred souls converted, this brought together a great con- 
course of people. They brought their tents, and pitched them 
near the town, and carried on their meetings all night. At this 
conference I was appointed a third time to Flanders circuit, 
and travelled there three months on my third year, at the ex- 
piration of which I was appointed to take charge of the Albany 
district. This was no small trial to me; but I tried to l)ear 
the cross as well as I could. * * * j j-^q^y wished to have 
Tny next appointment on Newburgh circuit, and I sent my re- 
quest to Bishop Asbury at the conference accordingly. He did 
not see fit, however, to grant it, but chose that for me which 
was better than if my own request had l)een granted. He 
appointed me to Brooklyn. * * * jj-^ ^]^^ y^^^ ]^g]^5 j ^r^s 
elected a delegate to the General Conference, which took place 
in 1816, at Baltimore. Bishop Asbury died a little before the 
sitting of this conference. Our friends in Baltimore had heard 
that the bishop, in a former will, had bequeathed his l)ody to 
his Baltimore friends, he having formed the first Methodist 
society in that place. They therefore petitioned the General 
Conference for permission to have his body taken up, and 
brought to their city. The bishop had been buried in a private 
burying ground, about seventy miles from Baltimore — the 
friends in Baltimore wished him to be buried under the pulpit 
in the Eutaw church. Their request was granted, and they 
brought him to tlie city while the conference was in session; 
and although it was not published in any of the churches, yet 
I think there was the greatest concourse of people I ever wit- 
nessed. It was said by brother Bond, who was with him when 
he died, and also conveyed his body to the city, that the corpse 
when taken up was but very little changed, although it had 
lieen twenty days in the grave. He was put into a lead coffin; 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 397 

so we did not see the corpse. Bishop M'Kendree officiated at 
the place. Brother Bhick, one of the delegates from iSTova 
Scotia to our conference, walked with Bishop M'Kendree, and 
all the preachers of the General Conference walked two and 
two to the church. 

The first meetings that were held in the town from 
1786 up to 1812 were held at the houses of the class 
leaders and at the houses of the other members; and 
the services were mostly conducted by the circuit 
preachers appointed for that purpose and by the class 
leaders and the exhorters. The classes about this 
town organized themselves into a church and on No- 
vember 16, 1812, the Milton M. E. Society was incor- 
porated l)y a certificate executed upon that day. The 
election was presided over by Richard Burdge and 
Ananias Ketcham, inspectors ; Thomas Woolsey, 
Uriah Coffin, Richard I. Woolsey, Henry Woolsey, and 
Jacob Dayton were elected trustees. The instrument 
was witnessed by W^illiam Bolton and Nathaniel 
Chittenden; sworn to before justice David Staples 
and the record attested by Christopher Tappen, clerk. 

The same year the trustees commenced the erection 
of the present Methodist church at Milton. Money 
was very scarce in those times and people were poor, 
but they completed the church at a cost of $1907.92. 
The amount of the subscription up to the time of the 
dedication of the church had been but $1200, lea\dng 
a balance due the trustees of $707.92. This debt was 
carried along for several years, and was principally 
paid by the trustees themselves. The church re- 
mained substantially the same until about the year 
1855, when some im^jrovements were made. 

In 1904 and 1905 the church was enlarged and re- 
modeled, refurnished, etc., at an expense of $7,000, and 
at the present time no finer, or more convenient church 
of its size is to be found in the county. This church 
has the distinction of being the first Methodist church 



398 History of Marlborough, 

built in the county. This society obtained a second 
certificate of incorporation, whicli was executed March 
18, 1845, the trustees chosen at that time being James 
A. Disbrow, Isaac L. Craft, James Bh)ckledge, Jacob 
H. Gillis, and Eemos Wools-ey. 

The earliest preachers in connection with the New- 
burgh circuit, which included what is now this town, 
who resided here and who preached in the circuit, I 
find are as follows. The list is not complete up to 1817 
but I give such names as I find up to that time : 

1797, Thomas Woolsey; 1800-1806 inclusive, Elijah 
Woolsey; 1819 to 1822 inclusive, Eben Smith; 1827 to 
1830 inclusive, 1835 to 1,838 inclusive, Phineas Rice, 
who, I think was the Presiding Elder; 1817, Stephen 
Jacobs, Heman Bangs and Earl Bancroft; 1818, Her- 
man Bangs and Elijah Woolsey; 1819, Peter P. San- 
ford and Josiah Brower; 1820, Arnold Schofield and 
Josiah Brower; 1821, Arnold Schofield and Smith 
Arnold; 1822, Jesse Hunt and John C. Green; 1823, 
Jesse Hunt and Nicholas White; 1824, Nicholas 
White; 1825, Bradley Silleck; 1826, Bradley Silleck; 
1827, 1828, Humphrey Humphreys ; 1829, Eben Smith ; 
J. D. Marshall; 1830, Valentine Buck; 1831, B. Grif- 
fin, L. Fisher; 1832, H. Wing, William Miller; 1833, 
H. Wing, D. Webster, E. Washburn; 1834, E. Wash- 
burn, McFarland, D, Webster ; 1835, J. W. Lefever, 

Jacob Shaw, W. M. Ferguson; 1836, C. Stillwell, 
Jacob Shaw; 1837, Valentine Buck, E. Crawford; 
1838, John C. Green, Elijah Crawford; 1839, John 
C. Green, Eben Smith. Up to this time these preach- 
ers had quite large circuits. They not only held ser- 
\dces at Milton and Marlborough, but in many of the 
surrounding churches. In fact each one had charge 
of several churches or meetings. After 1840 and up 
to 1858 the preachers then had charge of the Milton, 
Marlborough, and Lattintown churches. 1840 and 
1841, Edward Oldrin; 1842, F. W. Smith; 1843 and 



Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 399 

1844,. Theron Osbon; 1845, David Webster; 1846 and 
1847, Matthew Vendeusan; 1848 ad 1849, Edward 
Oldrin; 1850 and 1851, Nathan Rice; 1852 and 1853, 
Lorin Clark; 1854 and 1855, James H. Hauxhiirst; 
1856 and 1857, T. B. Smith. From this time the Mil- 
ton and Marlborough churches have had is-eparate 
resident pastors; 1858 and 1859, D. W. C. Van Gaas- 
beck; 1860, J. A. Edmonds; 1861 and 1862, J. W. 
Smith; 1863, Aaron Hunt; 1864 and 1865, E. S. Osbon; 
1866 and 1867, J. Croft ; 1868 and 1869, D. Phillips ; 
1870-1872, Peter C. Oakley; 1873 and 1874, Horace 
Wood; 1875, F. D. Abrams; 1876 and 1877, Charles 
Palmer; 1878, E. H. Roys; 1879, J. L. G. McKown, 
(died here May 2, 1879; H. Jackson supplied) ; 1880- 
1882, C. C. Miller; 1883-1885, C. F. Wixon; 1886 and 
1887, Charles H. Snedeker; 1888-1892, E. S. Bishop; 
1893 and 1894, M. B. Snyder; 1895, J. C. Hoyt; 1896- 
1899, I. H. Lent; 1900-1902, F. H. Deming; 1903-1905, 
G. A. Shahan; 1906 and 1907, R. N. Birdsall; 1908, 
Abram W^oodward. 

Peter C. Oakley, born August 20, 1800, died June 
15, 1889, and buried in the Methodist churchyard, 
resided here many years before his death; he was a 
supernumerary, and rendered good and efficient ser- 
vice to the church. Eben Smith died May 18, 1841; 
for forty years a minister of Christ ; he is also buried 
in the graveyard. 

The present numl^er of church members is 120. 
Present trustees: Thomas F. Sears, Griggs Rhodes, 
Isaac Conklin, Frank C. Wood, James R. Clark; 
Stewards : William H. Lyons, Ensign Lyons, Charles 
W. Fisher, William Purdy, Frank C. Wood, John 
Wood, James R. Clark, Susan M. Rutter, Jane Oakley, 
Mrs. Ruth Coutant, Mrs. Melissa Purdy. 

My old friend, Nicholas Hallock, tells me that he 
remembers in 1834, when Lorenzo Dow, the great ora- 
tor, spoke in the Methodist church. Mr. Hallock was 



400 History of Marlboeough. 

a mere child at the time, and remembers going with 
a rehitive to the church. The relative corrected him 
at the time, which fastened it in his memory. As he 
remembers it, there was a gallery on the north and 
south sides of the church, and they were in the gal- 
lery overlooking Dow, who was then an old man with 
a long flowing white beard reaching almost to his 
waist. He spoke earn-estly and made many gestures. 
A great crowd of people were present. At night he 
held a meeting at or near what was then called Dog- 
street. He gave out at this meeting that there would 
be services at the Baptist church, Lattintown, that 
night at midnight ; and it was said great crowds were 
there to meet him. It is also told of him that he 
preached from a stump, and when he closed the meet- 
ing, he gave notice that preaching would be there at 
the same place one year from that night, at which time 
he was on hand and preached. The circuit preacher 
whose narrative is previously given, was afterward 
in the Middletown, Connecticut, circuit; he says; 

At Xorth Guilford there was one thing transpired which 
was very extraordinary. It was at a time when Lorenzo Dow 
was preaching. He ol)served that there was a young lady in 
the congregation who was very inattentive to the word, and 
was also laughing. He said to her, " Young woman, I will 
tell your fortune when I get through this head of my dis- 
course ;"' and when he had got through, he said, "Xow, young 
lady, I will tell you your fortune." She then hraced herself 
up, and, witli all tlie l)oldness imaginahle, laughed the preacher 
in the face. He then said. " Young lady, you have no time 
to laugh : you had hetter l)e preparing your grave-clothes, for 
you will need them in less than two weeks." * * * so it 
turned out, that in ten days from that time the young lady was 
hrought a corpse into that house, which was matter of great 
astonishment to all the congregation. This same woman was 
said to be a very healthy person, and this made it appear the 
more astonishing to the people. I recollect having been with 
Lorenzo once when he had l^een telling some of the people their 
fortunes. As we lodged together that night, I asked him how 
it was that he could tell the people what was to come to pass, 




MAKi.r.(iK()r<.n M. K. tin i;i n- 



Marlborough Methodist Church. 401 

and tell it with such confidence. He said, that things came 
to his mind with snch light and power, that if he did not 
speak of them he felt guilty. 

There is notlnDg supernatural about the death of 
this poor girl. It is very doubtful, indeed, if Dow 
could tell future events, or had any presentiment of 
the death of this girl. He was noted for being a bold, 
reckless speaker, and said many things in his dis- 
courses that might better have been unsaid. It is very 
probable that this girl was scared to death. The 
words of the preacher were so direct and earnest and 
said in the presence of all her neighbors and friends, 
that evidently they produced a shock, and was such a 
great terror to her mind, that in fear and trembling, 
and sleepless nights and horrid dreams, which she 
could not suppress, she was hurried to her grave. 
It was a wicked, dangerous thing to say to anyone, 
especially to so young a person; and such a thing 
would not be allowed at this day. 



Marlborough Methodist Church. 

As has been seen, Lulf Smith had a class in 1786 
near Marlborough, and from that time up to 1830 
services were held at houses, and sometimes at the 
Presbyterian church, and at the schoolhouse, at irreg- 
ular times. Whenever a circuit preacher came 
through this country he would hold services at such 
places as were prepared for him, but they were irreg- 
ular gatherings, most of the :\rethodists about here 
attending at the Milton church. In 1830 they com- 
pleted the old frame church on Main street, and used 
it until 1867, when it was sold to the Catholic people, 
and the Methodists the same year occupied the new 
church on Grand street ; the new church together with 
the lot cost $16,000. The church was incorporated 



402 History of Marlborough, 

October 28, 1830, under the statute relating to the 
incorporation of religious societies, James H. Long- 
bottom and Barnabus M. Mapes presided at the elec- 
tion of trustees, and Samuel Beebe, James H. Long- 
bottom, Josiali Lockwood, Barnabus M, Mapes, and 
Charles Merritt were duly elected as such trustees. 
The church was named The Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Marlborough and the certificate was 
acknowledged before A. D. Soper, first judge of 
Ulster county. After the dedication of the church 
a deep religious interest followed and many were 
added to the church, among whom was Henry Terbush, 
and Z, N. Lewis, both of whom became preachers and 
joined the conference. Up to 1858 the same preachers 
are named as those who served at Milton and other 
nearby places. At a quarterly conference held at 
Milton in 1840 it was resolved to divide into three 
parts, and Milton, Marlborough and Lattintown were 
embraced in one circuit. These ministers have al- 
ready been given up to 1858. Since that time, the 
following preachers have had charge of the church: 
In 1858, Elijah Shurter; 1859, Elbert Osborn; 1860 
and 1861, L. W. Wadsworth, during whose adminis- 
tration the parsonage was built; 1862, A. P. Lyon; 
1863 and 1864, D. Gibson; 1865-1867, X. B. Tompsin, 
During his administration the present church was 
built. He came faithful to the call of his conference 
to the work at Marll)orough, He found two churches 
and congregations, one at Marlborough and one at 
Lattintown. He became ambitious to build a new 
church and unite the congregations; the two old 
churches were sold and about $2,000 was realized. 
It was a great undertaking, but by zeal, perseverance 
and prayer, he succeeded. The site for the church 
was selected with much care and was of the best that 
could be obtained, and the present fine structure will 
stand as a monument in the hearts and memory of 



Methodist Episcopal, Chuech at Lattintown. 403 

generations yet to come. The present clmrch was 
dedicated June 6, 1867. The dedication sermon was 
jjreaclied by Bishop Janes, and an evening sermon 
by Eandolph Foster, afterward a bishop. A great 
revival occurred during Tompsin's pastorate. In 
1868 and 1869, G. H. Gregory found an indebtedness 
of $6,000 and he entered earnestly in the work of 
extinguishing it. In 1870 and 1871, W. Ostrander; 
1872-1874, V. N. Traver; 1875, F. Botone; 1376, J. P. 
Hermans; 1877-1879, A. M. Osborn; 1880, W. F. 
Brush; 1881-1883, D. D. Gillespie; 1884-1886, S. P. 
Galloway; 1887 and 1888, S. F. White; 1889 and 1890, 
J. W. Dodge; 1891 and 1892, J. Ackerman; 1893, J. M. 
Cornish; 1894 and 1895, G. C. H. Adams; 1896, R. S. 
Crawford; 1897-1901, Gfeorge E. Barber; 1901, 
William N. Sarles; 1902 and 1903,- Arthur Thompson; 
1904, Elmer E. Count; 1905 and 1906, William Moser; 
1907 and 1908 Edwin Hunt. 

The pres-ent membership is three hundred. The 
present trustees are: Seymour Fowler, C. R. Gordon, 
Charles Warren, Eugene Lawson, David Mosher, A. 
H. Palmer, E. B. Dexter, W. S. Wright, and R. A. 
AYeed. The present stewards are: W. R. Greiner, H. 
C. Cooley, C. E. Westervelt, C. A. Hartshorn, N. L. 
Wygant, R. A. Clack, G. G. Fowler, S. Haviland, John 
Lawson, Jr. 



Methodist Episcopal Church at Lattintown. 
There were two classes organized in 1786 — "Lattin- 
town class, Lattintown; Jacob Dayton class, near 
Lattintown." This shows that there were Method- 
ists there at an early period, but only occasional meet- 
ings were held at the houses of the class leaders and 
others and at the schoolhouses, whenever preachers 
visited that part of the country; and afterward, some 
years before the church was built, they held services 



404 History of Maklboeough, 

at the house of John Shorter, now the Odell house^ 
and also at the Baptist meeting house. They formed 
a legal organization by a certificate bearing date 
March 3, 1848. Isaac E. Fowler and H. S. Shorter 
presided at the meeting for organization, and William 
Mackey, Thomas S. Warren, Benjamin Harcourt, 
David Fowler, John D. Crook, Isaac R. Fowler, and 
H. S. Shorter were chosen trustees. In May, 1854, 
John Shorter conveyed to the trustees the land upon 
which the church was built. About 1870 the church 
was taken down and removed to Clintondale. It never 
had any separate preacher, but was one of the three 
churches in the town which was supplied by the same 
preacher. Afterward the Marlborough church took 
charge of it. 

There was a circumstance connected with this 
church that made quite a sensation. During the 
Civil War the patriotic people aliout here kept the 
national flag flying from the belfry of the church, 
night and day. One night some persons clandes- 
tinely entered the church, tore down the flag and 
carried it oif. It caused a great disturbance, as the 
older people will remember, and steps were taken to 
find out and punish the partici|:>ants. The guilty 
parties were found out, and, at the earnest solicita- 
tion of their friends, the matter was allowed to drop. 

The bell of the church was taken with the church 
to Clintondale and afterward purchased by the late 
James H, Crook and presented by him to the Milton 
Methodist church. It was their first bell. 



CHAPTEE XV. 

The Baptist Church Society. 
For several years prior to 1782 the pastor of the 
Baptist church at the old village of Fishkill, situated 
some miles back from the river, performed mission- 
ary labors at different places in Dutchess and Ulster 
counties. In 1782 he succeeded in organizing a branch 
of the society in the precinct of New Marlborough, 
then recently a part of the precinct of Newburgh. 
At a regular meeting of this branch church, held on 
the 24th day of May, 1785, at the house of Reuben 
Drake, (Elder Philips presiding), a petition was pre- 
sented by Nathan Ellet and William Purdy on behalf 
of themselves and others that the society be consti- 
tuted a separate church, and that Jonathan Atherton 
be ordained pastor. The application was granted and 
the ordination as well as the services constituting the 
church were held on the 27th day of May. The mem- 
orandum further states that ' ' Elder Drake preached 
the ordination sermon, and gave the charge to the 
pastor and the church. Elder Philips gave Brother 
Atherton the hand and said in the presence of the 
whole congregation that he owned him as an elder, 
and so Elder Philips went to prayer; when done they 
sang a psalm, went out and left us to ourselves." The 
organization thus formed was called " The Baptist 
Church of Pleasant Valley." It will be seen that this 
was the Plattekill part of the precinct of New Marl- 
borough. In 1789 a branch was established at Lattin- 
town and one at New Paltz. 

After 1789 meetings were held at Lattintown at 
at the schoolhouse and at the houses of Nehemiah L. 
Smith, Noah Woolsey, Mathew Benedict and others. 
Up to 1807, when steps were taken to organize a 

[405] 



406 History of Marlborough. 

chiireli and build a ehureli edifice. The oldest record 
I find is as follows : 

Record of the Trustees of the Meeting-Hoiise Belonging to- 
tlie Baptist Church of Latintown, in Marlborough 

Laten Town, January 25th, 1807. 

Church met according to appointment and elected Nehemiali 
L. Smith, Noah Woolsey, and Matliew Benedoct Trustees of 
said Church, to manage the affairs of the meeting-house in 
Latentown. 

The society was incorporated by a certificate bear- 
ing date January 26, 1807. The paper was signed by 
the officers who presided at the meeting, Matthew 
Benedict and Richmond Burwell. The trustees chosen 
were Nehemiah L. Smith, Noah Woolsey, and Mat- 
thew Benedict. The proceedings were verified before 
Judge Jonathan Hasbrouck, and the record attested 
by Gi-eorge Tappen, deputy clerk. Noah Woolsey re- 
mained a trustee continuously until his death in 1832. 
The ancient record book of the church remains in a 
good state of i)reservation, and contains a record of 
all the principal matters relating to the church from 
its organization. 

In January, 1808, Thomas Wygant and Elizabeth 
his wife, for the sum of £20, sold and conveyed to the 
trustees of the church one-half acre of land on which 
the meeting-house stands, also the graveyard. 

The form and shape of the church has never been 
changed. The following is mainly from a sketch,, 
which was comj^iled mosth^ from the church book: 

At a meeting of the church held in the month of 
May, 1812, Deacon Purser, who was present, made the 
church a present of this book, it being the one in use 
at the present time for keeping the records of the 
church. 

From the records it appears that the Pleasant 
Valley church, situate nine miles southwest of Lattin- 
town, embraced members living on both sides of the- 



The Baptist Chuech Society. 407 



Marlborough mountains. On the 6th of May, 1812, 
a meeting was appointed in Lattintown for the pur- 
pose of constituting into a separate church those 
members of the Pleasant Valley church residing on 
the easterly side of the Marll^orough mountain. 
Elder Lebbeus Lathrop, being chosen to preside, stated 
the object of the meeting and the importance attached 
to it. After the case had been presented. Articles of 
Faith were read in the hearing of those present desir- 
ing to be constituted into a separate church. They 
individually signified their assent and agreement 
thereto and were formally constituted into a sepa- 
rate church, adopting the name of the Baptist Church 
of Christ in Lattintown. The right hand of fellow- 
ship was given by Elder Lathrop to twenty-four mem- 
bers present; five were subsequently added, making 
a total membership of twenty-nine. A letter was 
immediately prepared and sent to the Warwick Asso- 
ciation, asking admission, which request being 
granted, they became a member of that body. 

On the 23d of May the church extended an invita- 
tion to Elder Hall to become tlieir pastor, and a re- 
quest to that effect was sent to the Pleasant Valley 
church, of which Elder Hall was pastor. In June 
following word was received from the Pleasant Valley 
church stating that their request was granted, and 
they might expect Elder Hall. In July following the 
Pleasant Valley church sent Brethren Jones and 
Edwards to the Lattintown church to inform them 
that they had revoked their decision respecting Elder 
Hall, stating that they could not spare him, even for 
half the time. The church then appointed a committee 
consisting of the clerk and four members to arrange 
supplies for the pulpit; also, to open correspondence 
with ministering brethren with a view to settling a 
pastor. Their house of worship had been completed 
two years before their organization as a separate 



408 History of Marlborough. 

church, and in June, 1810, the Warwick Association 
held its annual meeting at Lattintown, when, the 
record states, an abundant provision was made for 
all the delegates who attended. 

In September, 1812, Aaron Perkins, a young man 
desirous of serving his Master l)y preaching the 
gospel, visited the church. After hearing him preach, 
and becoming acquainted with him, the church invited 
him to settle with them. He accepted the invitation 
and in November, 1812, commenced his labors among 
them at an annual salary of $200, with a positive 
understanding that if either party wished to rescind 
the contract, that six months' notice should be given 
to the other party. 

In June, 1813, Elder Perkins was ordained. The 
church was united under his guidance ; he was ardent 
and faithful, the congregation large and attentive, 
and Lattintown enjoyed years of happiness, useful- 
ness and prosperity. Old people used to speak of 
the time when Elder Perkins preached in Lattintown, 
when the meeting-house with its capacious gallery 
proved too small to acconmiodate the congregation, and 
those who arrived late drove up to the church and 
remained in their wagons at the windows and door. 
Elder Perkins remained with them as their pastor 
twelve years, during which time he baptized 160 mem- 
bers. In 1820 an extensive revival took place, when 
the records show 64 as being baptized. The largest 
membership during Elder Perkins' pastorate was 
128. In the year 1821 Elder Perkins' salary was 
raised to $250 per annum, as a reward for his services 
and a token of the respect and confidence of the 
church. In November, 1824, he received a call from 
the Berwick Baptist Church in the city of New York, 
which he felt it his duty to accept. After giving the 
Lattintown church the stipulated six months' notice of 
Ills intentions, and remaining the ensuing six months 



The Baptist Church Society. 409 

to fulfill liis contract with the church, he resigned his 
charge and took leave of them. After Elder Perkins 
left the church was supplied in part by Daniel Hill, 
who had been licensed by the church to preach. Dur- 
ing the fall of 1826, Elder Draper had been introduced 
to them, and after having preached to the church with 
satisfaction, was called to preach for them half the 
time, for which service they agreed to pay him $75 
l^er annum, and move his family gratis from the AVest. 
His term of service commenced on the 1st of May, 
1827. A resolution was adopted by the church that 
eaeh meinl>er shall pay twenty-five cents per quarter 
for the support of the gospel among us. Brother 
Conklin was appointed receiver to collect and pay 
over the same to Elder Draper. On the 19th of Janu- 
ary, 1827, the church passed a resolution that it was 
improper to take public collections on the Lord's 
day. 

During the history of the church thus far the cove- 
nant and business meetings were regularly attended 
on the third Saturday of each month in the afternoon, 
when the necessary business of the church was at- 
tended to, after which there was a free conference 
among the members present respecting their progress 
in the divine life. The meetings invariably commenced 
and closed by singing and prayer. 

The records state that in April, 1827, the church 
met to inquire into the reason why our Association 
neglects and even discards the old practice of ordain- 
ing deacons, and they by resolution bound themselves 
to practice as the Association may direct. The church 
enjoyed good peace and some good degree of pros- 
perity under the ministry of Elder Draper. Some 
were added each year to the church, of such as felt 
constrained to come out from the world and be a 
separate people. 

In September, 1831, Elder Draper requested a letter 



410 History of Marlborough. 

of commendation, which was granted and the church 
was left without a pastor. Again the church, as usual 
on such occasions, appointed a committee to wait on 
Elder Perkins and obtain his views, and get him to 
recommend a sui)ply, with a view to settling another 
pastor. Until July following the church was sup- 
plied by Brethren Bishop and Duxbury, when the 
church received a letter from Elder Archibald Mc- 
Clay of Kingston, recommending Brother Hadow, 
recently from Scotland, to preach for them. After a 
month's trial, he was invited to settle as their pastor. 
In September, 1832, a council was called to assemble 
at the meeting-house on the 10th of October to ordaiti 
him; also at the same time and place to ordain their 
deacons. The council consisted of Elder McClay of 
Mulberry street church. New York, Elder Perkins, 
and Brethren Roper and Briggs of Poughkeepsie, 
Elder Barlow of Poughkeepsie, and Davis from Ire- 
land, After his ordination he continued as their 
pastor until January 19, 1833, when the church in- 
formed him that in the succeeding spring they should 
make an effort to obtain Elder Perkins as their pastor, 
and that he might seek some other field of labor. 
Brother Hadow left the church in May and in the 
meantime Elder Perkins had been written to and in- 
vited to again become their pastor, which he de- 
clined, and again they were left destitute. 

In June following, John Alison — who had been a 
prominent member of the Presbyterian church at 
Marlborough, and also a student for the ministry — 
applied for baptism and admission to the Lattintown 
church. He was received and also obtained a license 
from the church to preach. After satisfying the 
church respecting his call to the ministry and Ms 
ability to preach, a council was called to ordain bim. 
The council consisted of Brother Barlow of Kingston, 
Brothers Warren and Ballard of Carmel, Brother 



The Baptist Chuech Society. 411 

Burns of Fislikill, Brothers Covert, Cosman, Mitchell, 
Maxim, and Band of Lattintown. On the 24tli of Sep- 
tember, 1833, after a long and satisfactory examina- 
tion respecting his call to the ministry and doctrinal 
views, he was ordained. During the next few months 
he preached for the church with great acceptance. In 
the spring of 1834 Brother Alison resigned, after 
which a letter was sent to Elder Perkins, inviting 
him to settle with them again as their pastor. Elder 
Perkins writes in reply that he must decline, and also 
that the church owes him $50.16 for services rendered 
ten years since; a collection was taken and the debt 
discharged. On the 20tli of December, 1834, the 
Newburgh church, situated ten miles south of Lattin- 
town, was constituted. The Lattintown church being 
in a country place, and its members scattered about 
the country, many of them residing nearer Newburgh 
than Lattintown, several such, and among them some 
of the officers and more prominent members, took 
letters and joined the Newburgh church, which greatly 
reduced the Lattintown church in means, strength and 
numbers. In the spring of 1835 Elder Powell di- 
rected to them Elder Jeremy H. Dwyer, and after 
liearing him preach, in June, 1835, the church extended 
him a call to become their pastor, which li-e accepted. 
During this year several more members took letters 
to join the Newburgh and Pleasant Valley churches, 
which still further reduced the Lattintown church. 
In the month of August it was resolved to hold a pro- 
tracted meeting and Elder Powell was invited to come 
and assist Brother Dwyer in conducting the meeting. 
A committee consisting of Brothers D. Cosman and 
N. Merritt was appointed to wait on the innkeeper, 
to request him to desist from selling liquor during 
the continuance of the meeting. He cheerfully com- 
plied with the request and on the 20tli of August, the 
meeting commenced. It was a busy season of the year 



412 History of Marlborough. 

for farmers, the attendance was small, and the pros- 
pect gloomy and disheartening. The chnrcli humbled 
themselves in the sight of God, and after earnestly 
beseeching God to vouchsafe his blessing, they 
solemly ordained their deacons, and concluded, not- 
withstanding the discouraging circumstances, to pro- 
ceed with their meeting — to labor and pray earn- 
estly — and leave the result with God. A glorious 
harvest of souls was the result, in which surrounding 
churches also largely participated. On the 2d of Sep- 
tember, 1835, thirty-three willing converts repaired 
to the Hudson and there, in the presence of many 
hundreds, perhaps thousands of spectators, they were 
buried by baptism in the placid waters. Soon after 
the close of the protracted meeting Elder Dwyer 
tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the 
church, and again Elder Perkins was appealed to 
to furnish them with a pastor. In February, 1836, 
Brother Samuel Barrett was directed to them. The 
church gave him a call, which he accepted. He was 
young, ardent, intelligent and pious, and under his 
watchful care the church steadily grew in grace and 
strength. They were united, useful and happy. Near 
the close of his ministry with the church, a large 
number of members took letters and moved west, 
where the}^ formed a new church which eventually 
became a flourishing society. In April, 1839, Brother 
Barrett preached his farewell sermon and went to 
Port Jervis. After Brother Barrett left. Brother 
Davis preached for them until 1841. The church at 
this time was in a low state, very few attending the 
house of worship. In 1844, Brother David Morris 
was invited to preach for them half the time. He 
divided his time between them and the Hyde Park 
church. In 1846, Brother S. Barrett was again in- 
vited to ])reach for thein. He accepted the call, and 
again became their pastor. The records state that he 



The Baptist Church Society. 413 

l^reaclied on the 5tli of April, 1846, to a crowded house, 
and all were happy to hear him again speaking forth 
the words of life from the sacred desk at Lattintown. 
The two intervening years the church steadily grew 
and prospered. In April, 1848, Brother Barrett re- 
signed, to take charge of the church at Middletown, 
Orange county, N. Y., where he spent his remaining 
days. In May following Brother J. Q. Adams com- 
menced laboring with them, while at the same time 
prosecuting his studies in order to prepare himself 
more fully for the gospel ministry. After he left, in 
February, 1849, a letter was sent to Eev. J. I. Grimly, 
who came and preached for them, and in March was 
engaged as their pastor. On the 15tli of August a 
council was called consisting of N. Reed of Franklin- 
dale, J. Warren of Fishkill, Scott of Newburgh, Bene- 
dict of Rosendale, Adams of New Jersey, Brothers 
Gerow and Mitchell of Newburgh, and Deacon Staples 
of Lattintown, to sit in council and aid in ordain- 
ing Brother Grimly. After his ordination he preached 
acceptably and profitalily to the church until Sep- 
tember, 1850, when he resigned and went to Unioii- 
ville. During the thirteen years up to August, 1863, 
the church became very much reduced by deaths and 
removals. Brother Cole preached ])art of this time, 
and occasionally other pastors supplied the pulpit. 
In 1863 a building committee was appointed consist- 
ing of D. W. Woolsey, Deacon G. B. Morgan and David 
Oosman, who raised by subscription a sufficient 
amount to repair the church and put it in good order. 
Joseph I. Grimly was installed as pastor of the 
church and did good service for several years, but for 
the last ten years or more there has been but occa- 
sional preaching in the church. 

The old church building is as strong and substan- 
tial as ever, and with little repairing it could be made 
serviceable. It is hoped that some society will or- 



414 History of Marlborough. 



gaiiize a cliureli there, as so large and so populous a 
eommunity as now reside al)out Lattintown corners 
should have some place to worship near at home. 
The traditions of the past should incite the community 
to stand by the old church. It could be used for a 
hall or lecture-room on aJl public occasions. Around 
the old church cluster many sacred memories ; the an- 
cestors of the present generations worshiped there, 
and are buried in the churchyard. Their names are 
the representatives names in their day in the town 
and the names of their children and grandchildren 
who reside all about in the community. 



Catholics and Catholic Churches. 

About the year 1850 many Irish Catholics began to 
arrive in the town, and there was no regular place of 
worship for them. They were from parishes in Ire- 
land where places of worship in their faith were 
plenty, and where it was the custom for all good 
Catholics to regularly attend church, thus they felt a 
great loss upon their arrival in a land among strang- 
ers without the blessings of their mother church. The 
nearest church was close to Wappingers Falls, at a 
place called "The Hollow," and the church was 
known by the name of " The Hollow Church." There 
was at the time a horse-boat at Milton which afforded 
ready means of crossing the river, and the people for 
miles about used this means of getting to church, and 
they also used the ferry to go to Poughkeepsie — some 
attending both churches, and a few in the lower part 
of the town went to Newburgh. Their dead were in- 
terred chiefly at the Poughkeepsie cemetery. This 
continued until about 1865, when both Milton and 
Marlborough became missions — Milton of the Eosen- 



Catholics and Catholic Churches. 415 

dale church, and Marlborough of the Port Eweii 
church. 

Milton was first supplied by Father 'Toole and 
then by Father Patrick Brady, both from the Rosen- 
dale church. They celebrated mass every two or three 
weeks, services being held in the old village hall and 
in Marlborough at different places until 1867, when the 
Rev. Michael Phelen, pastor at Port Ewen, purchased 
the old Methodist meeting-house at Marlborough. He 
officiated there most of the time until Father Mee 
came to Milton. The first pastor either church had 
was in 1874, when the Rev. James Francis Mee was 
appointed pastor of the Milton parish by the then 
Archbishop of New York, Most Reverend John Mc- 
Closkey (afterward Cardinal). He was the first resi- 
dent pastor of Milton. There was no Catholic church 
then, but a house for a parochial residence had al- 
ready been secured by the parishoners. Upon his 
arrival- Father Mee immediately took up the work of 
securing funds to build a church, and with such suc- 
cess that during the early part of 1876 he completed 
the present church, and afterward made some im- 
provements and additions to it. It was dedicated by 
Archbishop McCloskey the following year, on the 
occasion of his administering the Sacrament of Con- 
firmation there. It was a great day with the people 
here, and many Protestants were present at the ser- 
vice. Father Mee officiated at the Milton parish, 
Marlborough mission and Ireland Corners mission. 
He repaired and put on an addition at the Marl- 
borough church; and the building at Ireland Corners, 
which had been a barn, he remodeled into a church. 

About 1882 he purchased the extensive grounds for 
the Catholic cemetery at Lattintown. which was duly 
consecrated. It has been a source of great benefit to 
both churches and saved great trouble and expense, 
as interments had been made previously at the ceme- 



416 History of Marlborough, 

tery back of Poiigkkeepsie. The land is all that could 
be desired and is in general use by both churches, and 
contains numerous costly monuments. Until the year 
1886, Father Mee ministered faithfully to the three 
churches; in that year he was transferred by the late 
Arclil)ishop Corrigan to Rye. Westchester county, 
where he erected the present church. After three 
years, upon his request, he was transferred to his 
present pastorate at St. Mary s church. Rosebank, 
Staten Island. 

The truth is no praise or flattery. AVlien Father 
Mee came here the parsonage was in debt, there was 
no money to build a church at Milton and no money 
to repair Marlborough church. He went zealously to 
work to secure funds, and his people responded to his 
endeavors and gave liberally of their means. In this 
work he was generously assisted by many who were 
not members of his church. He was so earnest, un- 
selfish and unobtrusive, that everyone felt kindly 
toward him and helped him. His twelve years of 
pastorate resulted in great prosperity to both 
churches. Money came freely and large numbers 
joined the churches." The parsonage was paid for, 
the Milton church built and paid for, the Marlborough 
church enlarged and improved, and the cemetery paid 
for. There were no debts when he left, which was a 
source of great satisfaction to him, as he often said 
he wished that all debts might be cleared before he 
would be transferred to another parish. Debts were 
paid before they were due, many of the comforts of 
life being relincpiished to accomplish that end. S-elf- 
denial, earnestness, and zeal were shown in the cause. 
What can be said more? He came to the churches in 
their poverty and departed in their prosperity. 

An eminent prelate has said, '' The pioneer who did 
the burden of the work and had the greatest slavery 
wath fewest people and little means was Father Mee." 



Catholics and Catholic Churches. 417 



It may interest the numerous friends of Father Mee 
to know of the great work carried on by liim at Rose- 
bank. By the church report of December 31, 1907, it 
is shown that the receipts were $12,696, expenditures 
$11,560, showing a balance on hand, January 1, 1908, 
of $1,136. The church, rectory, schools, etc., are in- 
sured for $60,000. The congregation assists in the 
support of a seminary, supports its own schools, has 
a cemetery, and helps various causes. The priest has 
helped materially to accomplish this and is worthy 
of it. 

Ireland Corners was made a parish and Father 
Hoey, its pastor, built a church at New Paltz. He 
then came to Milton and finished the church at Rose- 
ton which had been commenced. He remained at St. 
James' church, Milton, from April, 1888, to Augaist, 
1894. He had the St. Mary's church, Marlborough, 
and the Roseton church in charge. His assistants 
were the Revs. T. J. Mackey, J. P. Douohue, M. J. 
Mulhall, J. P. Lennon and W. J. Donohue. 

The next pastor w^as Rev. William P. Kenney, who 
served from October, 1894, to February, 1896, with 
Rev. Tliomas B. Kelly as assistant. Rev. Edward 
J. Kenney was pastor from May 4, 1896, to January, 
1900, his assistant being Rev. Edward P. Murphy. 
In 1900 he became pastor of St. Mary's church. with 
the mission at Roseton and is such at the present 
time. Rev. James A. Dooley has been resident pastor 
at St. James' church and the mission at Highland 
from 1900 to the present time. 

The church of St. Mary's, Marlborough, was legally 
incorporated January 3, 1900, with Rev. E. J. A. 
Kenney as pastor, he being the present pastor. The 
incorporators as a board of trustees were Most Rev. 
Michael A. Corrigan, Archbishop; Right Rev. Bishop 
John M. Farley, Vicar General ; Rev. E. J. A. Kenney, 

14 



418 History of Marlboeougii, 

pastor; and Thomas O'Connor and James N. Wyms 
as lay trustees. There have been changes since. The 
Vicar General on the death of Archbishop Corrigan 
taking the first place as Archbishop John M. Farley, 
and his place as Vicar General is filled by Right Eev. 
Joseph F. Mooney. The Archbishop is president 
of the board, the Vicar General, vice-president, and 
the pastor secretary and treasurer. The membership 
of the Marlborough church is 350. Marlborough 
church has the mission of Our Lady of Mercy at Rose- 
ton with a membership of 150. Although the church 
at Marlborough began its legal existence as a church 
corporation in the year 1900, it was a regularly or- 
ganized church body for a long time — as far back 
as the establislunent of the Milton parish. It had its 
regular board of trustees, but the form of legal incor- 
poration was not used. The church at Roseton was 
legally incorporated at the time of its formation In 
tlie year 1888. The church of St. Augustine, High- 
land, was formed from Milton parish, and was legally 
incorporated September 21, 1899. 

The Rev. E. J. A. Kenney, while pastor at Milton, 
built the Highland church. In January, 1900, the large 
and excellent parsonage and grounds, through the in- 
strumentality of Father Kenney, was purchased for 
the benefit of St. Mary's church, since which time 
numerous and costly improvements have been add-ed 
to the parsonage;' it is a pride to the village, and 
almost an equal to any parsonage and grounds in the 
county. The membership of the Milton church is 
about 400. It is hardly necessary to speak of the good 
work being done by the present pastors of these 
churches. It speaks for itself and is known of all 
men. They have done several years of good and 
faithful work in the town, and it is hoped that they 
mav continue here for many vears. 



The Episcopal Church. 419 



The Episcopal Church. 

Christ eliurcli, Marlborough, was the third Epis- 
copal church orgauized in the county. 

In 1836 the village of Marlborough contained be- 
tween 400 and 500 inhabitants, most all of whom were 
descendants of the English families who had moved 
there from Westchester county and Long Island ; and 
many of them were members of the Presbyterian, 
Methodist and Baptist churches. The Episcopalians 
up to that time were so few that they made no at- 
tempt to organize a church. The Rev. Robert Shaw, 
rector of St. xlndrew's church, Orange county, at the 
request of Gilbert 0. Fowler of Newburgh, visited 
Marlborough, and remaining several days made the 
acquaintance of numerous people and informed him- 
self of their condition. Several families living in 
the neighborhood of Middlehope, members of St. 
George's church, Newburgh, became interested, and 
offered to contribute to sustain a mission church at 
Marlborough, and services were held in the school 
house of Sunday, the 12th day of February, 1837. 
Edward Armstrong, John Buckley, Gabriel Merritt, 
Leonard S. Carpenter and others attended this ser- 
vice. It was then decided to organize a church in 
the village; permission was obtaind to occupy th-e 
Methodist meeting-house and public notice was given 
that there would be services on Sunday mornings the 
19th and 26th of February at that place, according 
to tire forms of the Protestant Episcopal church, and 
all were invited to attend to assist in organizing a 
church. At the time appointed Mr. Shaw found a 
large congregation, almost all of whom had never 
visited an Episcopal church. The sermon was suit- 
able to the occasion and very interesting. The male 
members of the congregation met in the village at 
Miles J. Fletcher's house and elected Edward Arm- 
strong and Miles J. Fletcher Wardens, and Thomas 



420 History of Maelboeough. 

Fyfe, Dennis H. Doyle, Leonard S. Carj^enter, David 
E. Fowler, Andrew Oddy, Joseph Hepwortli, Richard 
R. Fowler, and William Cushion Vestrymen, and they 
chose the Rev. Rohert Shaw rector of the parish — 
the church to be known as Christ Church, in the vil- 
lage of Marlborough, The church was duly admitted 
into church fellowship September 26, 1837, and Bishop 
Onderdonk visited the parish the following spring. 
During the summer, services were held in the school- 
house at Hampton; in the fall and winter, in the 
Methodist meeting-house, Dennis H. Doyle donated 
an acre of ground in the south part of the village, on 
which a wooden building 24 feet front, 48 feet deep, 
with tower and belfry in the western end, was built. 
It had a seating capacity of al)out 150, and cost with 
the organ and bell $2,500, The church was con- 
secrated by Bishop Onderdonk September 10, 1839, 
At the close of the year Rev, Mr, Shaw resigned and 
went to Fishkill, The services were continued by the 
Rev, George B. Andrews and William Walsh, and 
the following summer Rev. George W. Fash was 
chosen rector. He entered on his duties in July, 
1840; he organized a Sunday school and gave his 
entire time to the duties of the parish. Rev. Mr, 
Fash resigned in July, 1843, Services were con- 
tinued by the neighboring clerg}^ until the spring of 
1844, when Rev, Samuel Hawksley became the rector. 
He was born in England, and came to this country 
when a child. Friends afterward sent him to Trin- 
ity College, Hartford, from which he graduated in 
1839, He then entered a theological seminary. His 
sight becoming affected, he became a tutor to the 
son of Mrs, Armstrong, and also a lay reader in the 
church. In 1845 he was ordained deacon in Christ 
Church, Hartford, and then came to Marlborough, 
After two years of incessant labor, holding services 
in different places, and by his kind and s^ani^athizing 



The Episcopal, Chuech. 421 

disposition, he gained the confidence and esteem of 
all, and gathered together a fair-sized congregation. 
On May 2, 1847, he was promoted to priest's orders 
at St. George's Church, Newburgh, and became rector 
of the parish. His missionary labors were extended 
to Milton, Lloyd, Stone Ridge and Ellenville, gener- 
ally jonrneying on foot from place to place. In 1850 
he organized the church at Milton; in 1853, the church 
at Ellenville. He also had charge of the Stone Ridge 
church, preaching at each one a Sunday of each month, 
and providing lay readers on the other Sundays. His 
incessant labors impaired his health to such an extent 
that he was unable to continue liis duties. He tried 
relaxation and rest, but his zeal in the cause became 
so great that he resumed his duties before he was. 
able. He died on Sunday morning, September 2.^ 
1855. The monument marking his grave reads : , 

Eev. Samuel Ha\vksle_y, Presbyter, "'^ 

; Eector of Christ church, Marlborough, 

departed this life Sept. 2d, 1855, aged -il years. 
" Even so saith the spirit, for they rest from tlieir labors." 

The older people of the town well rem-ember him, 
not only as traveling on foot Sunday after Sunday 
from one charge to another, but as passing from house 
to house, calling upon people of all denominations, 
making a pleasant and friendly call with all, saying 
kind words, giving friendly instruction and advice, 
and leaving pleasant memories and remembrance in 
the homes of all. I think all will remember him as 
a zealous worker in the cause, and a true, consistent 
and faithful minister. I well remember his pleasant 
calls at my father's house, and how all the family 
liked him. 

Samuel M. Akerly officiated as lay reader. Rev. 
James C. Richmond acted as pastor for a few months; 
later the services were resumed by Mr. Akerly, who 
was frecprently assisted by Rev. George B. Andrews. 



422 History of Marlborough. 

On Christmas day, 1857, the Eev. William Walsh, 
of Newburgh, officiated and administered Holy Com- 
munion to a larg-'e numl)er. The day being very cold 
and windy, larger fires than usnal were made and were 
carefully secured at the close of the service. About 
6 o'clock on Sunday morning, the 27th, flames were 
discovered bursting out of the windows and roof. 
Before assistance could be obtained the church was 
totally destroyed. It was insured for $1,800. 

The present structure was erected on the same site, 
being completed in 1858. It is of gothic architecture, 
built of brick with brown st^one trimmings and slate 
roof. It is twenty-nine feet front by fifty-two feet 
deep, with a chancel of eighteen feet, and was conse- 
crated by Bishop Horatio Potter. The entire cost of 
the church was about $7,000 and is now free from debt. 
Samuel M. Akerly was achnitted to deacon's orders, 
and in 1861, to priest's orders, and unanimously 
chosen rector of the parish. In December 1861, Mrs. 
Hester Doyle gave a lot of half an acre adjoining the 
church, on which a parsonage was built, 28x40 feet, 
two stories high ; it cost about $3,000. 

On the 1st of June, 1870, John Buckley, the senior 
warden, died in the 85tli year of his age. He had 
taken a warm interest in the church from its organi- 
zation, contrilmting liberally toward erecting the 
present clmrcli and parsonage and served as warden 
and vestryman for over thirty years. 

At a vestry meeting held in May, 1875, Mr. Akerly 
sent in his resignation. His services in the parish 
commenced even before the death of Rev. Hawksley, 
for whom he frequently read the service, and from 
that time to his resignation, he had faithfully served 
the church as lay reader, deacon and priest, for nine- 
teen years, leaving the church free from all pecuniary 
obligations. The resignation was accepted with a 



The Episcopai. Church. 423 

vote of tliauks for his faithful ministration. He was 
followed by Rev. George Waters of Kingston. A 
vestry meeting held the l-tth of October, 1876, unani- 
mously elected the Rev. John W. Buckmaster, of 
Elizabethtown, N. J., rector of the parish. He entered 
on his duties in November, 1876, and served continu- 
ously about 16 years. The officers at that time were 
James Carpenter and Edward Jackson, wardens; 
C. I\r. Purdy, Daniel Barns, W. H. DuBois, John Buck- 
ley, William H. Armstrong, ]\Iarcus D. Kelly, Joseph 
A. Hepworth, J. S. Knapp, vestrymen. On the 15th 
of September, 1892, Rev. Mr. Buckmaster resigned his 
rectorship. A man of dignity, decision of character, 
g^entlemanly deportment, and zealous in his calling, 
when he retired he left many friends behind him ; and 
many regrets were expressed not only by his church 
people, but l)y the entire community, upon his de- 
parture. 

xlfter an interim of some eight or nine months the 
Rev. Hugh P. Hobson was chosen and called to the 
rectorship, serving the parish five and one-half years, 
and resigning January 1, 1899, to take charge of St. 
Luke's Church, Matteawan. His successor, the Rev. 
Charles A. Tibbals, was elected early the same year 
and entered on his rectorship February 1st. He re- 
mained a few years and was succeeded by Rev. Harold 
Morse in November, li;X)3, who was succeeded in 
December, 1906 by the present incumbent, Rev. Harvey 
Trickett. The work of last few incumbents is still 
fresh in the memory of the parish and need not be 
specially characterized here. 

During the rectorsliip of the Rev. Mr. Akerly the 
new church was built, also the commodious and hand- 
some rectory, and both paid for. Nineteen years did 
the Rev. Mr. Akerly minister to this parish and Mil- 
ton, endearing himself not only to his own parish- 
ioners, but to the entire communitv bv his good will 



424 History of Marlborough, 

and kindness to all the people. He continued to 
render many services to the parish after his retire- 
ment and was always a friend and helper while he 
lived. His death about eight years ago was felt as 
a real loss to the parish of his love, as well as a per- 
sonal grief to his many friends. An appropriate 
memorial tablet and a beautiful lecturn were placed 
in the church by his widow and daughters. 

The present warden is George S. Clark; vestry- 
men, C. M. Purdy, D. Maitland Armstrong, Joseph 
Alexander, James Haberle, Robert Jackson, F. E. 
McCarthy, Chester A. Gaede, C. E. Lawrence. 

Membership by baj^tism 138; number of comuni- 
cants 78. 



. All Saints Church, Milton. 

This church was organized in 1850 by Rev. Samuel 
Hawksley of Christ Church, Marlborough. Rev. Dr. 
Brown, of Newburgh, officiated at the laying of the 
corner stone May 30, 1854; and Bishop Horatio Pot- 
ter held the consecration service in October, 1859. It 
has always been in the care of the rector at Marl- 
borough. The first wardens were William H. Gedney 
and Lee Ensign; the vestrymen, Jacob Handley, 
David Sands, Jr., James T. Knapp, Jacob Rowley, Jr., 
Edgar D, Gillis, Smith AVood, Jr.. L. Harrison Smith 
and Richard Gee. 

The present officers are: C. A. Valentine and Chas. 
W. Weston, wardens; Jas. R. Francis, John Y, Red- 
ding, Frank Silverman, Frederick H. Smith, Freder- 
ick W. Vail, George S. Clark, H. C. Weston, Isaac 
Crook, vestrymen. 

Membership by baptism 73, communicants 44. 

The rectors of this church since organization have 
been supplied from the Marlborough church, or more 
properly the same rectors have taken charge of both 



The Milton Society of Friends. 425 

cliurches and ministered to the people of both neigh- 
borhoods with the same zeal and earnestness. The 
names of Hawksley, Akerly, Buckmast-er, Hobson, 
Tibbals, Morse and the present rector are quite as 
familiar at Milton as at Marlborough. Both churches 
have done good work; they have been earnest and con- 
sistent in their doctrines. They have had a steady in- 
crease in membership, and their communicants hav^^ 
always been among the most intelligent and progres- 
sive in the town. 



The Milton Society of Friends. 

On December 31, 1760, Edward Hallock, a Friend's 
minister from Long Island, with his family, landed 
his sloop a short distance south of Milton at a rock 
known as Forefather's rock, and marked E. H. One 
of his daughters had previously married John Young 
and was living in the stone house still standing near 
the house of the late Jesse Lester. The Hallock 
family moved into the same house, and he immedi- 
ately began to hold meetings. These meetings are 
alleged to have been the iirst services, but they were 
not, as there were other Quakers here before that 
time and they certainly never went without some ser- 
vice. Edward Hallock afterward located a little fur- 
ther north on the Bond Patent and built a mill. He 
died in 1809 at the age of 93. 

The meetings above spoken of were the first Quaker 
meetings held in Ulster county. The Friends resid- 
ing at New Marlborough (Milton), were members of 
the Nine Partners' monthly and quarterly meetings. 
Afterward the Cornwall monthly meeting, which in- 
cluded the meeting here, was set off. In the year 1789, 
the Cornwall monthly meeting authorized William 
Thorn, Jacob Wright, Edward Hallock and Alexan- 
der Young, as trustees, to purchase from Daniel 



426 History of Marlborough. 



Knowlton seven acres of land one mile south of 
Milton and on the west side of the main road oppo- 
site to the honse wh-ere Edward Hal lock had held 
his jSrst meetings. This was the first purchase of land 
for church purposes by the Friends in Ulster county. 
A small church was built on this tract, the ruins of 
which were plainly to be seen a few years since. 
After this building ceased to be a church (ISO-t), it 
was used for many years as a dwelling-house, and, 
I think, some of the time as a store. There was a 
blacksmith's shop near it, and the old Powell, Quimby, 
and Lewis docks. A store, a tavern and limekilns 
were east of it at the river. There was quite a con- 
troversy at the time among the Friends as to where 
the next church should be built. John Wood and the 
other Friends residing at and near Lattintown in- 
sisted that the church be built nearer the latter place; 
and a small field of land on the east part of what is 
now the C. M. Woolsey farm was either bought or 
contracted for, and is called the meeting-house lot to 
this day, but the church was built as stated below. 

The Cornwall monthly meeting was held by adjourn- 
ment at Marlborough (Milton) May 24, 1804, at which 
extracts from the minutes of the Nine Partners' 
quarterly meeting were received, allowing the Corn- 
wall monthly meeting to establish or set oif a new 
monthly meeting to be known as the Marlborough 
monthly meeting ; the first meeting * ' to be held at the 
meeting-house at Marlborough (Milton), 6 mo. 27th 
day, 1804, and thereafter at ' The Valley ' (Plattekill) 
and Marlborough (Milton) alternately on the day pre- 
\dous to the monthly meeting to be held at Cornwall." 

August 20, 1304, Joshua Sutton conveyed to James 
Hallock, John Wood and Samuel Adams, trustees ap- 
pointed at the monthly meeting held at Cornwall, one 
and one-half acres of land situated about one-third of 
a mile southerly from the present village of Milton, 



The Milton Society of Friends. 427 



on the easterly side of the post-road, upon which a 
meeting-house was ei-ected and occupied until 1828, at 
which time the larger part of the Friends became fol- 
lowers of Hicks, adopted his ordinances and doc- 
trines; and the regulars or old school of Friends 
found themselves virtually turned out of house and 
home. A new and strange doctrine began to be 
preached in their church which they could not tol- 
erate, and they renounced all fellowship with the fol- 
lowers of Hicks. They then held meetings for the 
next two years at the house of Foster Hallock, grand- 
father of George Hallock, and where George now re- 
sides. 

In 1830 the Friends bought a lot of land of Foster 
Hallock, and built a new meeting-house, :wliich, though 
it had been repaired and modified, did good service 
for fifty-seven years. It had become so much the 
worse for wear that in 1886 it was thought best to 
build a new church, and also to change the site nearer 
the village, A lot of land was purchased of James H. 
Barrett's estate, and a new meeting-house built, which 
looks very different from those erected years ago. It 
was opened May 22, 1887, with appropriate dedicatory 
services. 

Among the earlier ministers, besides Edward Hal- 
lock, were his brother, Samuel Hallock; David Sands, 
who married Clementine, a daughter of Edward Hal- 
lock, in 1772; Samuel Nottingham, Samuel Adams, 
Ann Adams, Nicholas Hallock, James Hallock, and in 
more recent years, Hannah F. Fry. Stephen Taber 
was a minister for more than forty years. During the 
past few years several ministers from other jjlaces 
have resided here for a short time, their services add- 
ing much to tlie interest and welfare of the meeting. 
Among these are George Wood, Jesse McPherson and 
S. Adelbert Wood, Edward Wood, Mary S. Knowles, 
Harry R. Keats, Caleb J. Jenkins, Thomas E. Wil- 



428 History of Marlborough. 

liams, Emilie U. Burgess and Martha H. Bell, the 
present minister. This last mentioned lady is a lineal 
descendant from the old preacher, Samuel Hallock. 
The present trustees are Fred Taber, Foster H. 
Clarke and Charles E. Taber. The i3resent member- 
ship is seventy-five. 

Hannah Fry, "Aunt Hannah" as she was called, 
officiated for many years here, and also assisted at 
the other meetings. She had a pleasing address, was 
a fluent speaker, and gave her whole life to the cause. 
In all cases of sickness or other affliction she was ever 
ready to give consolation and comfort; many a kind 
w^ord has she said, and many a kind act has she done. 
She was known far and near and many years will pass 
ere her name will be forgotten. Nothing that can be 
said here can add to her worth. Her character, dis- 
interested life, and her virtues are too fresh in the 
memory of all, to require any rehearsal. 

Stephen Taber died in 1897 at a ripe old age, after 
a ministry of more than forty years. Almost every 
man, woman and child about southern Ulster county, 
and in parts of Orange and Dutchess counties, knew 
Stephen Taber. Born in Plattekill, he spent most of 
his life here; as a farmer working hard throughout 
th-e week, and on Sundays and other church days 
preaching the Gospel. During his long pastorate he 
served without compensation; the old doctrine of the 
church was against paying the minister. Persons re- 
ceiving pay in church work were called hirelings by 
the Quakers. Just after the civil war, Mr. Taber was 
appointed by the Quarterly or Yearly Meeting to 
preach in the south, and he spent several winters in 
Virginia, North Carolina and other i^laces. He had 
some quite remarkable adventures. A history of his 
life and events of his ministry would be most interest- 
ing, but I understand that no record of it has been 
left. He was a jilain, blunt man with a great many 



The Milton Society or Friends. 429 

original ideas. He preached from the things he saw 
and knew in his every-day life; the things which were 
near to nature, as he thought of them and saw them 
in the fields he cultivated. No eloquence as taught in 
schools, no rhetorical perfections, yet he sent many 
pointed truths home to the h-earts of his listeners. 
His memory and work are fresh in the minds of all — 
1 need say no more. 

In closing this brief review of the Friends' Society 
it might be said that in this neighborhood from the 
■earliest settlements the Friends have exercised an in- 
fluence for good. Their precepts and examples have 
been worthy of emulation. They have been an in- 
dustrious and worthy people, and have stood by and 
faithfully kept up the traditions of their church. 
Their order has always been opposed to war, and dur- 
ing the Kevolution they did not always receive the 
right hand of fellowship from their neighbors who 
were struggling in the cause of liberty; but their con- 
sistency and devotion to their religion won respect at 
last, and they were ready to contribute their share to 
the needs of the army. During the Civil War several 
Quakers from Milton served in the army and gave 
their young lives in the cause. For years before the 
Civil War the Quakers had been opposed to slavery, 
and it was claimed that there were stations among 
them, where the slave escaping from bondage could 
find a safe refuge and be helped on his journey to 
freedom. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Marlborough. 

When this name was first used in connection with 
the precinct or neighborhood cannot now be definitely 
determined. The first record I find of the name is in 
the old church records of the Marlborough Presby- 
terian church, and is as follows: 

A register of the proceedings of Stephen Case and John 
Woolsey, first Trustees of the Marlborough Society, and their 
successors begun the first day of January 1764. 

When the precinct was organized in 1772, it natur- 
ally took the name of New Marlborough. 

The first settler as we have shown was Dennis 
Relyea ; he built a cabin on the Kill and lived and died 
there. In 1764 a survey was made; Main street was 
laid out and village lots of one acre each were sur- 
veyed and numbered along Main street ; several water 
lots were also surveyed, numbered, etc., and a map 
made of the same. 

Lewis DuBois about this time and several years 
thereafter was the principal personage ; his name ap- 
pears in most all of the public proceedings. He built 
docks, mills, etc., and was the leader in all public im- 
provements of the time. Dr. Abijah Perkins was a 
prominent personage at that time, also Benjamin Car- 
penter and Stephen Case. Charles Millard became 
early identified with the interests of the place — in 
1790 or before — as in 1799 he was well established 
as appears by the following advertisement in the New- 
burgh Mirror, one of the first papers: 

Six thousand boards and planks for sale by the subscriber - 
at his mill on Jew's Creek for cash, or any kind of country 
produce. All those who are indebted to the subscriber for 
boards are requested to call and settle their accounts by the 

[431] 



432 History of Marlboeough, 

15th day of March next or they will be prosecuted without 
discrimination. 

CHAELES MILLAED. 

IMarlborough Fel). 20, lv99. 

N. B. A store to let with four rooms on the floor and the 
privilage of a dock. Enquire as aljove. 

In an advertisement of sale published in the " Po- 
litical Index," a Newburgh paper, in 1809, his prop- 
erty is described as follows : 

Within half a mile of the Meeting-House, containing about 
twenty-three acres of good land, with a handsome grove of 
timber, and a young orchard of the best ingrafted fruit, and a 
variety of other fruit trees. The situation is very pleasant. 
There is on the premises a good dwelling house, a barn with 
other outhouses, also a never-failing run or rill of water within 
a few feet of the kitchen and a good well. Also a grist mill 
and a saw mill, so constructed as to take the logs out of the 
water without any expense of land carriage. It will cut eight 
or ten hundred logs in a year. The buildings are all well fin- 
ished. There is also a convenient place on the premises for a 
fulling and plaster mill. 

This was on what is now the Buckley property, and 
the mills were along Jew's creek which ran through 
the property. AVith his sons, Walter and others, Mr. 
Millard extended his business across the river into 
Dutchess county and in different places. The trade 
grew extensively. The lumber was drawn in the win- 
ter by teams over the ice and snow for long distances, 
and in the summer it was shipped by sloops, mostly to 
New York and along Long Island sound and the Jer- 
sey shore. The timber was obtained principally by 
rafts from the upper Hudson, but a considerable part 
of ,it came from the country about the mills. He after- 
ward moved to New Hamburgh where most of his 
descendants have since resided. His son Walter suc- 
ceeded him and commenced freighting; he built the 
barge Lexington for that purpose. Uri Mills was a 
partner. In 1844 they purchased the Marlborough 



Marlborough. 433 



dock of the DuBois estate, and a freighting business 
was established with that at New Hamburgh. The 
steamboat " Splendid " was purchased and ran from 
Marlborough and Xew Hamburgh on Mondays and 
Thursdays. They commenced the lumber business at 
Marlborough in 1851. In 1854 Walter Millard retired 
from the freighting business, but continued the lum- 
ber business at Marlborough and New Hamburgh. 
John P. Millard and H. H. Holden succeeded to the 
freighting and steamboat business, and in 1857 the 
propeller " AVyoming " was put on the line. Samuel 
N. Millard took the place of Holden. The tirm became 
J. P. Millard & Bro. They continued the freight and 
lumber business. In 1863 the firm became W. Millard 
& Son, but in 1880 Walter died and the business was 
managed by the estate until 1884, when the firm of 
Walter Millard's Sons was formed. It will be ob- 
served that the Millards had been identified with this 
business for much more than a hundred years. They 
enjoyed a large trade which gradually increased from 
its commencement. They had the respect and con- 
fidence of all their business associates and patrons for 
their honesty and fair dealings in every branch of th"e 
trade. 

This firm afterward became the Millard Lumber 
Co., and in 1903 the Marlborough business was sold 
out to the Marlborough Manufacturing & Supply Co., 
but the enterprise at New Hamburgh continues as the 
Marlborough Lumber Co. 

John Buckley in 1815 purchased the carding and 
spinning mill. He commenced carding and spinning 
wool ; his business increased. In 1822 James and John 
Thorne became partners. The firm was dissolved 
in 1830, but Mr. Buckley continued the business until 
1855, when he converted his factory into a cotton mill, 
which he continued until 1861, when he retired from 
business. As I understand it, Buckley purchased this 



434 History of Marlborough. 

property from Charles Millard, where Millard had 
previously done business. 

An Elegy. 

On the death of Capt. Annanias Valentine, Thomas 
Pinkney, Isaac Elliot, Jeremiah Cropsey and Leonard 
Merritt, all respectable citizens of the town of Marl- 
borough, who were unfortunately drowned on the fiats 
in front of the town in attempting to go on shore on 
Friday morning, December 12, 1800, in a violent storm 
of wind and rain. 

This poem received considerable local celebrity at 
the time : 

Come all ye good people, of every degree, 
And listen with attention one moment to me, 
For a sorrowful story I mean to relate, 
Of a mournful disaster that happened of late. 

Oh, Marll^orough ! tremble at this awful stroke. 
Consider the voice of Jehovah, that spoke 
To teach us we're mortals, exposed to death 
And subject each moment to yield up our breath. 

Oh, reader! these coffins exhibit to view 

A striking example that's mournfully true 

To show thee that death will ])e thy certain doom, 

That shortly the body must enter the tomb. 

On Friday, the twelfth of December, so cold, 
In the year eighteen hundred, as I have been told. 
The wind l)lowing high and the rain beating down, 
A vessel arrived at Marlborough town. 

The anchor being cast and their sails stowed away 
All hands for the shore prepared straight away. 
Down into the boats soon all did repair, 
And unto the shore were preparing to steer. 

But, mark their sad fortune, mournful indeed ! 
Yet no man can hinder what G-od has decreed, 
For the councils of heaven, on that fatal day, 
Bv death in an instant called a number away. 



An Elegy. 435 

A number of men in their health and their prime 
Called out of the world in an instant of time. 
For their boats turning over plunged all in the deep, 
And five out of seven in death fell asleep. 

A vessel at anchor was lying near Iw, 

The men in the cabin heard their piercing cry : 

To grant them relief they hasten with speed, 

And two of their number from the water are freed. 

These sorrowful tidings were carried straightway 
To their friends and relations without more delay. 
But, Oh ! their lamenting no tongue can express, 
Nor point out their sorrow, great grief and distress. 

Three wives widowed, left in sorrow to mourn 
The loss of their husbands, no more to return; 
Besides a great number of orphans, we hear, 
Lamenting the fate of their parents so dear. 

Also a young damsel left mourning alone 
For the untimely death of her lover that's gone : 
For the day of their nuptials appointed had been 
In the bonds of sweet wedlock these lovers to join. 

Yet, alas! their lamentings are all in vain. 
Their husbands are drowned, they can't them regain. 
Their friends and relations came now too late, 
The council of heaven had sealed their fate. 

Their bodies being found were all conveyed home 
And the Sabbath day following prepared for the tomb 
Their bodies in their coffins were laid side by side 
In Marlborough meeting house alley so wide. 

A numerous concourse of people straightway 
Attended with sorrow on that mournful day, 
To see the remains of the neighbors so dear, 
And join their relations in a friendly tear. 

A sermon was preached on the occasion also, 
WTiile the people attended with a solemn awe. 
To see such a number by death snatched away. 
Who all lay before them as lifeless as clay. 



436 HisTOEY OF Maklborough. 



The sermon being ended the corpses were conveyed, 
And in the cold caverns of earth they were laid, 
Where now we must leave them to molder to dust 
Until the resurrection of the just and unjust. 

To the widows and mourners o'erwhelmed with grief : 
May you all trust in God. who will grant you relief. 
He'll ease all your sorrows and soothe all your pain, 
And finally take you to glory to reign. 

Come all tliat are living and know you must die, 
I pray you take warning hy this tragedy. 
That when death shall call you and close up your eyes. 
Your souls may be happy with Christ in the skies. 

Eeg'iilar mail service was established in 1824 when 
the first postniastei' was appointed, and the following 
have served as such at Marlborough: 

Daniel G. Russell, July 13, 1824. 

Miles J. Fletcher, April 14, 1826. 

Eobert B. Mapes, August 12, 1841. 

Miles J. Fletcher, June 7, 1843. 

James S. Knapp, April 10, 1856. 

Charles D. Jackson, April 8. 1861. 

Dallas DuBois, August 20, 1866. 

John H. Baxter, August 4, 1869. 

John C. Merritt, April 1, 1875. 

Martin Y. B. Morgan, August 5, 1885. 

H. Scott Corwin (not commissioned), February 28, 1889. 

Charles H. Kniffin, May 3, 1889. 

William S. AVright, August 3, 1893. 

Charles H. Kniffin, February 15, 1899. 

Charles I. Purdy, February "26, 1903. 

James A. Johnston, April 19, 1904. 

There are four churches, several factories and mills, 
and a number of stores at Marlborough. It also has 
a national bank, electric lights, and soon expects to be 
connected with Newburgh by trolley. The country 
surrounding the village commands a beautiful view 
of the river and neighboring country, and it is render- 
ing d-esirable sites for residences. No more beautiful 



MiLTox. 437 

or convenient i^lace to locate can be found in a day's 
journey. It has a large graded school, water works, 
a flourishing weekly paper, and has the advantages 
of an incorporated village. The West Shore rail- 
road furnishes numerous trains daily, and the facili- 
ties for river travel cannot be surpassed. The in- 
crease in population has been rapid during the past 
few years. 



Milton. 

Milton was so named some time after the war of 
the Revolution. The name is found in an old record 
of the earlier Methodist Society. In " October, 1788, 
Rev. Ezekiel Cooper held the first Methodist meeting 
in the county at the house of John Woolsey near 
Milton." 

Milton had good water power; and saw and grist 
mills were soon built. There has been a steady 
growth of population. It was very flourishing from 
1812 to 1850. A turnpike was built about 1808, and 
a large tract of country to the west had its outlet 
here. 

David Sands carried on a large ship yard. There 
was a pin factory, soap factory, and two hat factories 
at one time, and a paper called the '^ National Pio- 
neer " was printed here in 1830, edited by Daniel S. 
Tuthill, or, as he was generally called, Selah Tuthill, 
a son of Selah Tuthill, member of Congress. Both are 
buried at Marlliorough. 

The ''Pioneer" was issued every Wednesday, at 
'*$2 per annum, payable cpiarterly, or $2.50 at the 
end of the year." This price was for village sub- 
scribers and those who received their paper through 
the post rider. There were four pages of six columns 
each. 

From the advertising columns of the ''Pioneer" 



438 History or Marlborough. 

more is to be learned about jMiltoii than from the read- 
ing matter. Advertisements appear from David 
Brower, tailor, in Milton village; Anson St. John, 
manufacturer of cabinetware and fancy chairs, also 
painter; C. S. Eoe, general storekeeper, agent for 
threshing machines, real estate agent, dealer in rye, 
oats and corn, and owner of a tow boat; Mrs. M. B. 
Taylor, milliner, of Marlborough; Charles Field, hat 
manufacturer; Lougbottom & Co., announcing the re- 
tirement of James Kinworthy; and many others of 
more 'or less interest. From one of these we learn 
that the proprietor of the paper, D. S. Tuthill, also 
kept a store at New Paltz Landing (Highland). Here 
he sold goods at " reduced prices," just as the modern 
merchants do. Daniel S. Tutliill. or Selah Tuthill, as 
he was commonly called, was a man of considerable 
ability and business enterprise. 

From the files of the " Pioneer " we learn that Cor- 
nelius Polhemus kept a i)ublic house in Marlborough 
in 1830, as witness the following advertisement: 

FOR SALE. — The house and lot on which the subscriber 
now lives, situate in the village of Marlborough : it has been 
occupied as a i)ul)lic house for many years, and affords as great 
advantages for the business as any other location in the vicinity. 
The buildings are in good repair and conveniently arranged; 
there is a variety of fruit trees on the premises, all of which 
are of the best quality. The above property will be sold at a 
great bargain, and terms of payment made accommodating tO' 
the purchaser. Apply to the subscriber on the premises. 

Cornelius Polhemus. 

Marlborough. April Tth. 1830. 

Cornwall S. Eoe was one of the most prominent men 
in Milton in 1830, if his advertisements in the '' Pio- 
neer " prove anything. In one copy of the paper he 
had no less than sixteen advertisements of various 
kinds. He kept a general store, where were sold dry 
goods, groceries, crockery, hardware, lumber, tar,, 



Milton. 439 

plaster, salt, fish, pork etc. He bought grain and flax- 
seed at " highest cash prices" and purchased patent 
rights for agricultural machinery in order to have 
the exclusive sale in his section. He also speculated 
in land. In one place he advertises that the ladies of 
Ulster county can be supplied with Navarino hats, 
either in the flat or made up in the neatest manner at 
short notice. In another place behold : 

The Tow boat iVtalanta, Capt. C. S. Eoe, now performs her 
passage with all regular speed ; and to meet the economical 
views of all, passengers are taken at the low rate of Four 
Shillings, who find themselves; — Six shillings and found. She 
arrives both ways before daylight. G. S. Roe. 

Milton, April T, 1830. 



CABIXET AXD GHAIR MAXUFACTORY 

Anson St. John, respectfully informs his friends and cus- 
tomers that he continues the aljove business at his new stand 
in the village of Milton, where he keeps constantly on hand a 
general assortment of Cabinet Ware, consisting of Tables, Bed- 
steads,' Stands, Secretaries, Bureaus, and Sideboards, of every 
description, which he will sell at reduced prices, and on reason- 
able credit. He has also a general assortment of Fancy Chairs, 
consisting of Fancy Bamlioo, and Cain Seat Windsor and Com- 
mon Rush Bottom Chairs. Painting of every description, done 
with neatness and at the shortest notice. 

Dec. 23, 1829. 



TAH^ORIXCt 
David Brower 

Respectfully announces to the public that he continues to 
carry on the tailoring business, in all its various branches and 
fashions in Milton village, where he will be happy to attend to 
hig customers. From his long experience, and employing none 
but superior hands in his business, he can assure the public 
that his work will be done in style equal to that of any person 
of his profession either in Xewburgh or Po'keepsie, therefore 
hopes to meet and receive a share of public patronage. Cutting 
and Basting done according to the order of his customers. 

Milton, Feb. 10th, 1830. 



440 History of Marlborough. 



XOTICE 

The Subscriber has discontinued his business at the. Xew 
Paltz Landing, for the purpose of closing his concerns. All 
Persons indebted to him arc respectfully informed that his 
Books are now arranged for settlement, and he wishes them 
to call on or before the 15th day of June next, and settle the 
same, as all notes, bonds and accounts, due and unsettled at that 
time, will be placed in the hands of proper officers for collection. 
Persons having claims against the Subscriber will please present 
them for liquidation. 

JOirX BE^^SON, 

May 26th, 1830. New-Paltz. 



HAT MAXUFACTLTEEK, 
Charles Field, 

Peturns his grateful acknowledgments to his friends and the 
public, for the liberal patronage he has received from them, 
and solicits a continuance of the like favors. Being desirous 
of their further patronage, wishes to inform them that he lias 
opened a Hat Store, in the City of Xew York, at No. 3G| 
Bowery, which will enable him to have his hats finished in the 
city, according to the latest fashions, and furnished to his cus- 
tomers, at reduced prices. 

The business in future will be conducted by his son William 
A. Field, at his old establishment, in the village of Milton, a 
few doors south of Jacob P. Townsend's store. All persons 
having unsettled accounts with him, are requested to pay im- 
mediate attention to the same. The books of accounts are left 
with AYilliam A. Field, who is fully authorized to collect and 
settle the same. 

Milton, 4th mo. (Apr.) 14, 1830. 



NEW GOODS. 

Cornwell S. Roe 
Would respectfully inform his friends, and the public, that 
he has just received at his store, in addition to his former 
stock, an extensive assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, Crock- 
ery, Hard and Hollow Ware, Etc. Etc. Also, Nails, Lumber, 



MiLTOx. 441 

Coarse and Fine Salt, Tar, Plaster, Fish, Pork all of ^yhich 
will be sold at reduced prices, and upon favorable terms. The 
highest price in cash will be paid for all kinds of grain. 
Dec. 23rd, 1829. 



TOW-BOAT ATALANTA 
Captain Corxwell S. Eoe. 

Urged by a sense of duty by his numerous friends announces 
the uninterrupted prosecution of his Towing Business, and as- 
sures the public that there is no difficulty now, even remote in 
appearance; he makes this notice for the express purpose to 
settle the agitation of the public in relation to the steam boat 
accident, some time since, Ijy running against a sloop. Also 
in relation to a mercantile misfortune with which he is in no 
way connected, he regrets the folly that some have now, as past, 
circulated any idle tale, to impede the regularity of his busi- 
ness. Wanted Eye, Oats and Corn — at fair prices — Cash on 
deliverv. C. S. Eoe. 

Milton, May 19th, 1830. 



STEAM BOAT XOTICE. 

The Hudson Eiver Steam Boat Line is now plying between 
New- York, and Albany, leaving Xew-York at 5 o'clock, P. M. 
every day, (except Sunday) when they leave Albany at 10 
o'clock A. M. 

The Steam Boats arrive at Milton from New- York every 
night betAveen eleven and twelve o'clock. From Albany, they 
arrive at Milton between three and four o'clock every afternoon. 
The boats will land and receive passengers at the Steam Boat 
Landing, Milton. Peter Quimby. 

Milton, May 3rd, 1830. 



NOTICE. 

The copartnership existing under the firm of James H. Long- 
bottom & Co. was desolved by mutual consent, on the 15th day 
of December last. James Kinworthy retires from the concern. 
The business will be continued as usual by James H. 
Longbottom. 

Feb. 6th, 1830. 



442 History of Marlborough, 



TAILOEING. 

Mr. Charles H. Tajior announces to the public that he has 
commenced the Tailoring Business in all its various branches 
and fashions, in Marllwrough Village, over the store of 
Barnabas j\I. ]\Iapes, where he will lie happy to attend on his 
customers. He can assure the public that his work will be 
done in first Xew York Style, equal to that of any person of 
his profession, therefore hopes to merit and receive a share of 
public patronage. 

Marlborough, June 29, 1830. 

N". B. Cutting done in fashionable style and at short notice, 
and on reasonable terms; all kinds of country produce taken 
in i^ayment. 



MILLINERY. 

Mrs. M. B. Taylor respectfully informs the public, that she 
has recently estal)lished the business of Millinery and Dress 
Making in ]\Iarll)orough Village, nearly opposite the store of 
Mr. Fletcher, where she will he happy to accommodate cus- 
tomers in the above ])ranch, upon the most moderate terms. 

Marlborough, June 29, 1830. 



List of letters remaining in the Post Office, at Milton iS^. Y., 
October 1st, 1830. 

Eobert Brown Cornwell S. Roe 

William Brown John Sheffield 

David Brower Benjamin Sands 

Rev. Jones Hobbs Albert Stewart 

Louisa B. Meech James Stewart 

Henry Perkins Elisyabeth "Woolsey 

Ann Maria Ransome John Worall 

A. D. Soper, P. M. 



THRESHING MACHINE. 

The subscriber, having purchased the interest of the 
Patentees, for this country, in two new invented Threshing 
Machines, offers the same for sale, at Milton Landing. Tlie 
machines will either be furnished, or rights sold to fnrmers 
empowering them to construct the same. Town rights will be 
disposed of to mechanics, or others upon reasonable terms. 



Milton. 443 

Certificates of the most respected farmers in the county, con- 
firming the great advantages of these machines are in the pos- 
session of the subscriber at his store, where the machines may 
be seen at any time. 

Cornwell S. Eoe. 
Milton, Dec. 23, 1829. 



SALT AND TAE. 

Sack salt of the very best quality and quantity, constantly 
for sale at the lowest prices. Also, Tar by the barrel. 

C. S. Eoe, Milton, April 7, 1830. 

Cornwall S. Roe was a prominent man in Milton 
for a nmnber of years. His parentage was unknown, 
as he was picked up from the water at Cornwall, when 
a babe, his father and mother being drowned by the 
capsizing of a boat. The little boy was bundled up 
in a blanket and floated. He went west and died 
there some years after. 

The ferry called Lattimer's ferry ran across the 
river to Tlieophilus Anthony's point; it was some- 
fimes called Anthon^^'s ferry. It was running during 
the Revolution and up to the time the Powells were 
in business ; it ran from their dock and for several 
years after they went to Newburgh. Jacob Powell 
kept a store and tavern and had limekilns; he ran a 
line of sloops to New York city. Farmers took their 
produce there for shipment and bought their goods. 
The Powells were very successful and quite likely 
made their first money there. The same business was 
carried on there for several years after they left. 

At or near Samuel Sturgeon's corner, where the 
road from the Post road runs down to this dock, 
there was a blacksmith's shop, a meeting house and 
several old houses, two of which are now standing 
and they both are said to be the oldest in the town. 

There were several limekilns about the docks; the 
stone was brought over in scows from Barnegat and 



444 History of Marlborough, 

burned on this side. The Barnegat lime at this time 
had a wide i'ef)utation, being considered a standard 
article. There were a large ninnber of kilns and 
many men were employed at Barnegat. Sloops were 
daily loaded, and the lime was shipped long distances. 
There was quite a village there at the time. 

Abont the year 1850. a l)rickyard was started at 
Milton. In 1862 the Rev. E. W. Clark and wife opened 
a day and boarding school ; it was very successful for 
several years, young ladies attending from most all of 
the states in the Union. Mr. Clark's health failing, 
they moved west, and Mrs. Scofield Brown became the 
owTier. The academy buildings were soon after 
burned. 

In 1871, the Milton Savings Bank was organized: 
Leonard S. Carp-enter, president; Jesse Lyons, first 
vice-president; Wm. H. Gedney, second vice-presi- 
dent; Ethan Parrott, secretary. No business was ever 
transacted. 

In 1844, Somner Coleman started a wheelbarrow 
factory at the old Smith dock; he then moved to the 
Milton dock, and was afterward burned out. He then 
established himself at what is now the plush factory. 
In 1854, John Newman took charge of the business 
for him, and in 1861, he purchased the plant, and 
afterward took John II. Newman and Somner F. Cole- 
man into partnership. In 1870 the factory was 
burned but was afterward rebuilt. John Newman 
died in March 1884, and John H. Newman continued 
the business until his death in September, 1885. 

H. H. Bell's Sons then became the owners; they 
converted it into a woolen and i)lush factory, enlarged 
the buildings, made it a stock company, and carried 
on a large business for many years until 1904, when 
the firm went into bankruptcy. The business is now 
carried on by a new firm, and great hopes are enter- 
tained of its future success. Its nearness to the docks 



Milton. 445 

and depot and its many advantages speak well for 
great success under proper management. 

The first town meeting held at Milton was in 1840 
at the house of Eobert S. Lockwood. 

A mail was established from New York to Albany 
in 1772; the route being up on one side of the river 
and down on the other. It passed through here and 
delivered mail once a week at certain places along the 
route, where the people would congregate when the 
mail was expected. The first regular mail service was 
established in 1822 and postmaster appointed, and 
the following have served as such at Milton: 

Abraham D. Soper, August 20, 1822. 
Wilham Soper, April 2, 1836. 
Xancy Soper, .January 19, 1819. 
Calvin F. Bulkeley, December 4, 1849. 
David Sands, Jr.." July 20, 1853. 
Peter M. Carpenter, May 26, 18-54. 
Theodore Quick, April 8, 1861. 
Ethan Parrott. January 12, 1866. 
Eoswell H. Stone, February 1-5, 1869. 
Jacob Rowley, November 12, 1869. 
Ethan Parrott, Xovember 22, 1869. 
Edward W. Carhart, February 23, 1882. 
Edward W. Pitcher, March 25, 1884. 
Frederick H. Smith, June 12, 1886. 
William H. Townsend, Jr., May 24, 1889. 
Frederick H. Smith, August 23, 1893. 
C. Meech AVoolsey, August 28. 1897. 
Frederick AV. Woolsey, August 8, 1902. 

There are five churches, several factories and mills, 
and stores at Milton. It has always been a favorite 
landing for steamboats, and has enjoyed greater bene- 
fits and conveniences from them than any of the ad- 
joining villages. Population, 800. Electric lights 
have recently been installed, and it is expected that a 
bank will be instituted the coming year. Dr. A. J. 
Palmer, one of the great men of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, resides here. 



4-46 History of Maklboeough. 

Lattintown. 

Lattintown, the oldest iieigliborliood or liamlet, ap- 
pears to have been called Latting Town in former 
times. It is so called in the early records of the war 
of independence and prior to that time. 

The first town meeting, 1772, was held at the house 
of Henry Deyo, and the next, 1773, at the house of 
Richard Carpenter at '' Latting Town." From that 
time up to and including 1779 the meetings were held 
at Silas Purdy's; that was the Henry E. Gaede place. 
Purdy kept a tavern and had a mill; he also kept the 
stocks, in wliich persons were put to be punished, 
and a pound where stray cattle were kept. He was 
an officer in the war and one of the Committee of 
Safety and Defense. He was a prominent man in 
his day. His place was a part of the Lattintown 
valley. 

In 1780 and for the next fifty-eight years, up to 
and including 1838, meetings were held at Lattintown, 
except in the year 1801, when the town meeting was 
held at Nathaniel Harcourt's, which was the place 
afterward owned by AVm. Holmes on the Post road, 
and was a tavern. It had been recently torn down by 
J. A. Hepworth, the present owner. This was the first 
year after Plattekill had become a separate town. 

And again in 1841, 1849, 1852, the meetings were 
held at Lattintown; for twenty years they were held 
at David Merritt's house; seven years at John Hait's; 
ten years at Thomas Warren's. 

Lattintown was a great place for horse racing on 
town meeting days. The militia had their training, 
and courts were held, and much of the town business 
transacted here in those times. It was the center of 
poimlatiou for many years. The smoothness of the 
country and fertility of the lands, which were well 
watered, invited the early settlers. Large tracts of 
land were cleared and well cultivated, while the more 



Lattintown. -l-iZ 

stony and rngged lands between that and the river 
were mostly forests. At one time more business was 
done there than in either Milton or Marlborough at 
the same time. At Lattintown there was a school, 
church, stores, wagon and blacksmith shops, a tannery 
and distillery, also two taverns, an undertaker, shoe- 
maker, harnessmaker, tailor and mechanics in early 
times. The following description of David Merritt's 
property is taken from an advertisement in the 
'* Political Index," published in Newburgh in 1809: 

For Sale, a fann situate in the village of Lattintown, town 
of Mai-lborough. and county of Ulster, containing about 180 
acres of land. Said farm is under the best improvement, ex- 
cepting 80 acres of excellent wood land. There is on the same 
a dwelling house neatly finished, containing four rooms and a 
kitchen on the first floor, and one above 20 feet square. Also 
about 300 bearing apple trees, a cider mill and house, and two 
barns, one 30x43, the other 30x40, and other outhouses. The 
situation is excellent for a puljlic house, being the place where 
town meetings and the elections have hitherto been held. For 
further particulars enquire of the subscriber on the premises. 

David Merritt. 

Deceml)er IS, 1809. 

A Scotchman named McElrath was one of the 
earlier storekeepers. He kept quite an extensive 
variety of groceries and other goods for those times 
and also sold liquor by the measure. He had had 
quite a matrimonial adventure, which caused much 
gossip. 

The Fourth of July was always a gala day. They 
raced horses and had a good time generally. The 
whole country turned out. They had a cannon which 
had seen service in the war, which they kept firing all 
day. 

There were many large orchards about there then, 
the apples from which were made into cider and 
whiskey, and was very common and cheap and used by 
every one. Charles Brown had a distill-ery on what 



448 HiSTOEY OF Marlborough. 

is now the Edward DiiBois place. There was also one 
at what was the Asbury Wygant place. 

The Carpenter family were among the first settlers. 
Josei^h Carpenter, son of Benjamin, was born at Mus- 
keta Cove, September 15, 1705, and the marriage 
record of St. George's church of Hempstead shows 
that he was married on May 20, 1728, to Sarah Lat- 
ting, who was a daughter of Richard and Mary 
(Wright) Latting of Lattingtown (near Musketa 
Cove). By inheritance and purchase he had a large 
landed interest at " Red Springs " and " Oak Neck," 
which property he sold in 1753, and in company with 
his brother-in-law, John Latting, his son-in-law, John 
Caverly, and Benjamin Stanton, purchased through 
Lewis Morris and others and Euphemia Morris of 
Busks, England, a very large tract of land in Ulster 
county, near Newburgh, which they settled naming it 
'' Lattingtown " after their Long Island home. He 
died there in 1766, and his widow died in 1790. On 
the farm of Joseph Carpenter now Odell's, in a part 
set off for a burial spot, there is to be seen the follow- 
ing memorial stone : 

JOSEPH CAEPEXTEE 

The first settler of this place and the planter of this orchard 

Died July 1st, 1766 

Aged 61 Years, 3 Mo. and 6 Days 

He had eight children ; one, Latting, born about 
1732. His daughter. May, born 1751, married 
Nathaniel Harcourt of Marlborough*. This name on 
Long Island was spelled Harcutt, Harcourt and 
Harker. The following is the memorandum of the 
title to the lands : 

Henry Lane of the City of New York, merchant, to Joseph 
Carpenter, Banjamin Stanton. John Caverly, John Latting, all 
of Oyster Bay, L. I. Consideration 500 Lbs. January 1753 ; 
described in the Deed as all that certain lot or parcel of land 



Lattintown. 449 



being a part of a certain tract of land granted by his late 
Majesty, Lord King George the First, by Letters patent under 
the seal of the Province of New York, bearing date 10th day 
of February, the first year of his reign unto Lewis Morris, Esq. 
^nd Augustus Graham and others, 1723. 

No number of acres are given but from the survey, 
it would appear as several hundred. 

Euphemia Morris of Boice, County of Bucks, Great Britton 
by Attorney to Joseph Carpenter of Ulster County; deed dated 
Dec. 1753. Consideration 600 lbs. No. of acres 677; lands in 
Ulster County, west side of the Hudson Eiver; part of the 
Morris and Graham Patent as above mentioned. 

Also: 

Samuel Kniffin to Joseph Carpenter. Deed dated 1759. 
No. of acres 390. Consideration 122 lbs. 10 s. 

These lands were a large part of the Lattintown 
valley, were bounded on the west by the foot of the 
mountain as stated, and these men appear to be the 
second purchasers or owners after the Patentees, and 
Joseph Carpenter and the others named were cer- 
tainly among the first settlers. A few people had 
settled along the valley before this, but it does not 
appear that they had any valid title to the lands. 
Carpenter and his friends came here in 1753, as under 
the first deed they are spoken of as residing at Oyster 
Bay, and in the second deed as residing in the county 
of Ulster, and it appears that Joseph Carpenter 
owned most of the land; his friends are mentioned 
only in the first deed. • He certainly was a great land 
owner and owned the best land in the town, or as 
I should say of the precinct of Highlands as there 
was no Marlborough or Newburgh precinct or town 
then. He was the largest landholder the town ever 
had outside of the Patentees and I have no doubt but 
that the name " Latting Town " came from these set- 

15 



450 History of Marlborough, 

tlei'vS, and was so named from the place tliey had 
moved from. 

These lands, it seems, were a part of the Morris 
and Graham Patent, which i:>atent was bound-ed west 
by the monutaius, south by lauds of Zaehariah Hoif- 
man, the Griggs and Graham Patent (afterward of 
Lewis DuBois), east by the patent of George Harri- 
son or lands granted to Gadwallader Golden, known 
as C^olden's Ridge. 

The lands were comparatively free from stone and 
easily cleared, and were of surpassing fertility; 
enormous crops of all kinds of grain were raised for 
years upon the same grounds, and the valley was 
known far and wide for its great productiveness, its 
fat cattle and good horses. It became rapidly settled; 
many neighbors and relatives of the Carpenter, Cav- 
erly and Latting families settled here, and the large 
tract of the Carpenter lands was soon divided up into 
farms. The people became wealthy for farmers in 
those times ; in fact the wealth and property of the 
town was for years centered here, and it was the 
social and business center as well as the center of 
population. The people congregated here during the. 
Revolution to hear the news of the war. The Free- 
masons held their lodge here. AVliile the surround- 
ing country was mostly forests, Lattintown was 
flourishing. Before the settlement by the white peo- 
ple, a small tribe of Indians raised their corn and 
beans here on the flats; and the hillocks where they 
planted year after year were plainly discernable to 
the early settlers. In old papers and documents, I 
find these lands spoken of as '' Latting Town Plains " 
and the ''Plains at Latting Town." In Revolution- 
ary times, the Committee of Safety often met here. 



Societies and Institutions. 451 

Societies and Institutions, 
advance lodge of odd fellows. 

This society was organized or instituted in Janu- 
ary — , 1882, with the following officers : James Shaw, 
N.G.; L. McMullen, V. G.; C. AV. Frost, R. S.; Clar- 
ence Bingham, P. S., John Rusk, T. The present 
officers are John Kramer, N. G. ; George DuBois, 
V. G. ; A. B. Cascles, Secretary. This is one of tlie 
strongest lodges of the county. The members are a 
fine intelligent class of men, and the society exerts a 
wide influence, and does much good in the community. 
The membership is 132. 

GUIDING STAR LODGE NO. 199, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

This society was organized in 1883. There were 
thirty-two charter members; and the following offi- 
cers were chosen ; Judson Dayton, C. C. ; John AV. 
Badner, V. C. ; Enoch Baxter, K. R. and S. The present 
officers are Jesse R. Masten, C. C. ; Charles Comugh- 
ton, V. C. ; George A. Young, K. R. and S. The pres- 
ent membership is seventy-nine. 



KETCHAM POST, NO. 195, G. A. R. 

In June, 1881, Ketcham Post was organized, as the 
result of the efforts of C. M. AVoolsey, J. C. Merritt, 
Rev. S. P. Gallaway, C. ^Y. Frost, P. V. L. Purdy, 
George A. Donalson, R. H. Rose and others. The 
Post was named after the brothers Edward H. and 
John T. Ketcham of Milton, who gave their lives for 
their country, one on the line of battle at Gettysburg, 
the other at Libby prison. 

Members of Pratt Post of Kingston and LeFevre 
Post, of Highland, assisted in the organization of 



452 History of Marlborough. 

Ketcham Post, and the occasion was made a gala day 
by the people of Marlborough. At least one thou- 
sand people assembled about and near the flagpole 
at the center of the village to hear the speeches. A 
subscription of $100 was raised to feed the visitors. 
The first officers were C. M. Woolsey, Com. ; John C. 
Merritt, S. V. Com. ; Henry Scott, J. V. Com. ; C. W. 
Frost, Adj.; A. B. Masten, Qr. Mr.; P. V. L. Purdy, 
Oif. Day; R. H. Rose, Chaplain; R. Donaldson, Sur- 
geon; John Valentine, OiT. Guard; R. F. Coutant, 
Sergt. Maj.; R. Osterhoudt, Qr. Sergt. The otlier 
charter members were B. F. Bailey, Phineas H. 
Smith, George W. Davey, S. Hoppenstead, John 
Hunter, Thomas Elliott, Thomas Lewis, William 
York, Nathaniel Horton, David Johnson, John 
Masten. The charter was granted July 1, 188-4. The 
post has been in a flourishing condition ever since its 
organization, and is generally represented at either 
State or national annual encampments. Many of its 
charter members have died, and other veterans have 
been added. Its officers for 1908 are : C. M. Woolsey, 
Com. ; H. B. Crowell, S. V. Com. ; Lyman Beam, J. V. 
Com. ; E. R. Martin, Qr. Mr. ; J. C. Merritt, Off. Day, 
and Adjutant; H. B. Scott, Chaplain; Jacob Berean, 
Surgeon; Da\dd Smith, Off. Guard. Peter V. L. 
Purdy, C. W. Frost, William Hoganaugh and H. B. 
Crowell have been commanders. The Decoration Day 
services are always quite an event in the community. 



VILLAGE OF MARLBOROUGH. 

The village was incorporated in July, 1906, with 
F. S. Snyder as president; C. H. Hartshorn and D. 
Mosher, trustees. The present officers are F. S. 
Snyder, president; C. H. Hartshorn, J. C. Wygant, 
John Kreamer, and E. B. Dexter, trustees. The popu- 
lation is about 800. 



Societies and Institutions. 453 

first national, bank of marlborough, 

This bank was organized in August, 1907, with a 
capital of $25,000. It insures deposits against loss. 
The present directors are J. Foster Wygant, presi- 
dent; Dr. A. H. Palmer, vice-president; C. W. Davis, 
cashier; J. A. Hepworth, C. R. Gordon, Dr. David 
Mosher, Franklin Clark, C. G. Mackey, C. A. Dunn, 
George A. Badner and AV. J. Burrows. 



MARLBOROUGH HOSE COMPANY NO. 1. 

This society was incorporated in March, 1897. The 
officers for 1908 are ; Frank Horton, president ; W. P. 
McConnell, first vice-president ; Tlieo. Covert, second 
vice-president; Bert Clark, recording secretary; Geo. 
Suiter, financial secretary; E. B. Dexter, treasurer, 
M. V. B. ^Morgan, Jr., foreman ; M. McMullen, Jr. first 
assistant foreman ; Wm. Brown, second assistant 
assistant foreman. 



MILTON FIRE ENGINE ASSOCIATION. 

This society was organized May 24, 1904. The offi- 
cers for 1908 are: John B. Ball, president; James 
Butler, first vice-president; E. F. Patten, second vice- 
president; Fred Miller, secretary; C. J. Miller, treas- 
urer; Dr. J. Freston, C. J. Miller, and Edward Young, 
trustees; Phillip A. Lyon, foreman; Garry Hornbeck, 
first assistant foreman; Edward Ennest, second as- 
sistant foreman. 



MILTON-ON-THE-HUDSON GRANGE. 

The Grange was organized January, 1900. The 
first officers were: Fred W. Vail, master; Thomas F. 
Sears, overseer; C. M. Woolsey, lecturer; J. R. Clark, 



454 History of Marlborough. 

steward; Fred Taber, assistant steward; Georg-e S. 
Clark, chaplain; William Bloomer, treasurer; Clias. 
S. Lyons, secretary; A. B. Clark, gate keeper; Mrs. 
J. R. Clarke, lady assistant steward. The present 
officers for 1908 are : E. R. Martin, master; William A. 
Shorter, overseer; Nicholas Hallock, lecturer; Charles 
Kniffin, steward; Frank C. Wood, assistant steward; 
Fred Taber, chaplain; Thomas F. Sears, treasurer; 
George S. Clark, secretary; Ensign Lyons, gate 
keeper; Mrs. Fannie N. Lyons, lady assistant steward; 
Mrs. F. C. Wood, Ceres; Mrs. J.'r. Clark, Pomona; 
Mrs. Charles Kniffin, Flora. Present membership, 
seventy-five. 



MARLBOROUGH GRANGE NO. 904. 

The Marlborough Grange was instituted March, 
1901, with the following officers: Daniel Lockwood, 
master; Cornelius Bloomer, overseer; James Car- 
penter, lecturer; Samuel Wygant, steward; Henry 
Coutant, assistant steward; Mrs. A. B. Eckerson, 
lady assistant steward; A. B. Eckerson, chaplain; Fred 
Baker, treasurer; Crawford Harcourt, secretary, Wm. 
S. Purd}^, gate keeper. The officers for 1908 are: C. 
H. Baildon, master; Benj. Harcourt, overseer; Geo. 
H. Trickett, lecturer; Charles Bloomer, steward; 
Chester Gaede, assistant steward ; Mrs. Ed. Reynolds, 
lady assistant steward; R. A. Clack, chaplain; Joseph 
Bloomer, treasurer; F. E. McCarthy, secretary; Edgar 
Sleiglit, gate keeper; E. W. Barnes, commercial secre- 
tary; Miss Mae Lawson, Ceres; Mrs. J. E. Sleight, 
Pomona; Miss Lola Baildon, Flora. The present 
membership is ninety-four. 

These two Granges, though only instituted a few 
years, show a large membership. They are composed 
of the best and most progressive farmers in the town. 
They buy necessary supplies in large quantities at 



Societies and Institutions. 455 

wholesale prices and for cash. They have organized 
a Grange insurance for farm property in the counties 
of Ulster and Orange; and now more than $4,000,000 
of property is insured. Fires are few and the in- 
surance premium light. Fred W. Vail of this place 
has been the president of such company since its or- 
ganization; Henry C. Cooley has been its treasurer, 
and David Merritt, of the town of Lloyd, secretary. 
The Grange organization has been a source of great 
benefit to the farming community; it has effected 
much good, and exerted a wide influence. 



FREE MASONRY. 

After the War of the Revolution, there was a 
flourishing Free Mason lodge at Lattintown, in the 
house where Odell now lives. The upper room in the 
house, where the meetings were held, is now sub- 
stantially as when the lodge was there. There were 
many members from this and surrounding towns, and 
it flourished for many years. Afterward the lodge 
was changed in 1804 to the tavern kept by Nathaniel 
Harcourt, in the okl house on the post road near 
Lyon's corner, recently torn down by A. J. Hepworth. 
I believe this lodge continued until about 1840, since 
which time there has been no lodge of this order in 
the town. This last lodge was called United Lodge, 
No. 108, of Marlborough, and was chartered April 3, 
1804. Benjamin F. Patten, Miles J. Fletcher and 
others served as masters of this lodge. 



SARAH HULL HALLOCK FREE LIBRARY. 

Sarah Hull Hallock by her will left an endowment 
fund to maintain a free library at Milton. She died 
in 1884, and during the same year Dorcus Hull, 



456 History of Marlborough. 

George S. Clarke, Margaret B. Ball, C. S. Northrip 
and Winslow M. Bell were appointed trustees; in 
1885 a set of by-laws wer-e adopted. In December, 
1886, the library was duly incorporated under "An 
act for incorporation of library societies, passed in 
1875, and acts amendatory thereof," as the Sarah 
Hull Hallock Library Association of Milton. The 
articles of incorporation provided as follows: 

1. The Cori^orate name of sucli society shall be " The Sarah 
H. Hallock Library Assn. of Milton." 

2. The business and object of such society shall be the ac- 
cumulation and maintenance of a library of books, pamphlets, 
periodicals, etc., for the use of the people of the village of 
Milton in the town of Marlboro, county of Ulster, and state 
of New York. 

3. The trustees of said society shall be five in numl^er and 
the names of the trustees for the first year are as follows : 
Ethan Parrot, Townsend Sherman, George Clark, Sarah AValter 
Hallock and Dorcus Hull. 

4. The library of said society and its place of business shall 
be located in the village of Milton aforesaid. Dated, Milton, 
I)eceml)er 24, 1886. 

The present trustees are C. S. Northrip, Geo. S. 
Clarke, Issac S. Crook, Mrs. Geo. S. Clarke, Mrs. E. 
W. Hallock. The library has been at the Woolsey 
building since 1896. It has upward of 3,000 volumes 
of standard works, and it is being added to yearly by 
purchase of editions of new works, together with 
those which are donated by friends. Besides the in- 
come from the endowment, money has been obtained 
by subscription and in various ways, so that there 
are always ample funds on hand to carry on the 
library successfully. The books are all catalogued, 
etc., according to the modern system, and all books 
called for are quickly obtained. The library is 
opened at stated times for the delivery of books, and 
some of the ladies of the village are always in at- 
tendance, and gratuitously render their services. It 
is patronized by the entire community. 



Societies and Institutions. 457 

the present business interests and enterprises. 

Franklin Clark, Elmer Wygant and the Marl- 
borough Manufacturing & Supply Co., are largely en- 
gaged in the manufacture of fruit and berry cups and 
packages; and the Marlborough Manufacturing & 
Supply Co. are dealers in all kinds of lumber and sup- 
plies for building purposes, etc. 

Charles A. Hartshorn, John C. Merritt, E. B. 
Dexter, Elbert Warren, Charles Warren, George A. 
Badner, Dun & Edwards, E. J. Cumskey and Charles 
Kniffin are merchants and have general stores. 

Geo. A. Young and Baxter Bros, are millers and 
dealers in flour, feed, grain, etc.; William Y. Velie, 
extensive florist; C. E. Gorden, druggist; T. M. 
Hughes and Marlborough Plumbing Co., heaters, 
plumbers and dealers in hardware; Stephen D. War- 
ren and John Decker, blacksmiths, etc. ; Jas. Mc- 
Gowen, Moses McMullen, Matliew Morgan, hotel 
keepers; also William Smith and Emmit Warren, 
dealers in meats, fish, etc.; and last, but .not least, we 
have the Marlborough " Record," a weekly news- 
paper. 

The above industries and enterprises are all located 
in the village of Marlborough, while those that follow 
are in Milton. 

L. Mackey and Milton Manufacturing & Supply 
Co., manufacturers of cups, fruit and berry packages, 
and the supply company deals in lumber and coal; 
R. J. Dickey, druggist; Charles P. Thorn, cooper; 
J. J. Kaley, Isaac Crook, William F. Spratt, mer- 
chants and general storekeepers; William A. Goeh- 
ringer, plumber, hardware, tinsmith and confections; 
C. J. Miller, barber, cigars, tobacco, etc., and general 
assortment of all kinds of men's clothing; A. J. Booth, 
H. B. Crowell, blacksmiths, wagons and hardware; 
H. H. Hallock, manufacturer of cider and wines; 
Robert W. Hallock, miller and dealer in all kinds of 



458 History of Marlborough. 

flour, feed and grain. He is occupying- the same 
premises occupied by his father and grandfather for 
over a hundred years. He commenced tlie present 
business at the age of twenty-one. He has an exten- 
sive business, wliich is increasing; Charles DeGraff, 
Edward Thiel and Isaac Ferguson, hotel keepers; 
Philip Lyon and AVilliam H. Donaldson, florists; E. 
F. Pytten. Theodore Rhodes and J. J. Kaley, butchers 
and meat supplies. 



THE MILTON MILLS. 

The Milton Mills is a New York State corporation; 
Mr. E. H. Dick is president and treasurer. The 
goods produced are astrakhans, glove linings, eider- 
downs, and a general line of goods made in knitting 
mills of this character. Some five hundred styles are 
made, so it is quite impossible to mention tbem all. 
A very fine line of linen mesh is made here. The mill 
runs by steam, and has its own electric light plant. 
It is conveniently situated within a short distance of 
the depot and steamboat landings. The mill expects 
to increase the business to a great extent during the 
coming year, and will add much to the prosperity of 
the place. 

The property was formerly owned l)y the Henry H. 
Bell's Sons Co. 



THE MILTON FOUNDRY. 

This foundry was carried on l)y John Ball, de- 
ceased, for upwards of fifty years with great success. 
It is now owned and incorporated under the name of 
the Milton Foundry and Machine Co. It is connected 
with a large firm or company in New York city, and 
is doing an extensive business. The property for- 
merly belonged to the John Ball estate, and John B. 



The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 459 

Ball negotiated the sale and, tlirongii liis instru- 
mentality, has added a new industry to the place. 

Felie Pantusco has a general store; sells foreign 
goods and merchandise; runs an extensive bakery 
which supplies the country for miles around witli 
bread. The business is very successful. 



The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 

We have seen that most of the earlier settlers and 
families came here from Long Island and Westchester 
<:'ounty. They were people who had previously settled 
at such places or their descendants; they were mostly 
English or descendants of those Holland families who 
had gone over to England during the reign of King 
Henry VII and VIII, owing to the troubles in their 
own country and the inducements offered them to 
settle in England, and had lived in England some 
time before they came to America. They came up here 
mostly in sloops or brought their goods, cattle, etc., 
by land to and across the river here ; and a rude scow 
and sail ferry, with oars, was early established for 
that purpose. A few families would come together, 
and their relatives and neiglil)ors would soon follow, 
so that by 1750 many had located here and were clear- 
ing up the lands and making permanent im])rove- 
ments. At the commencement of the Revolution we 
see by the number of men who signed the Articles of 
Association, there must have been quite a population 
and a thriving farming community. The dwellings 
Tip to this time were mostly of stone or logs, but after 
the year 1800 most of the houses built were frame 
structures. The population increased quite rapidly. 
The families were large and the children generally 
settled in the same neighborhood. The tide of foreign 
emigration did not set in until about 1850 ; some had 



460 History of Marlborough. 

come here before, but since then foreign emigration 
has been rapid — mostly from Ireland, though quite 
a number of Germans have settled here, and some 
other nationalities. They have been mostly an agri- 
cultural class, having been small farmers in their own 
country. They were good people — honest, thrifty 
and industrious; they accumulated property, bought 
farms, raised large families, and became respected 
members of the community. Many of our best and 
most enterprising citizens have descended from these 
emigrants. The Irish people have erected and sup- 
ported two large and flourishing Catholic churches 
with parsonages and separate priests, and a large 
cemetery. Most of the emigration is now from Italy; 
many families arrive each year and purchase the 
smaller and cheaper farms. They are a frugal and 
industrious |)eoi)le, and manufacture large cpiantities 
of wine and ])urchase a great amount of the grapes 
raised here, doing an extensive business in this di- 
rection. 

The water courses of the town are confined to a 
few small streams emptying into the Hudson. In 
former times when the country was new the water was 
held back in the forests and swamps and had a much 
larger flow, and rarely went dry in times of drought, 
and afforded power the year round for many mills 
and factories; they also contained trout in earlier 
times. Some are now stocked with trout. 

The surface is broken and hilly, rising from the 
banks of the river to the Marlborough mountains, or 
as they are called in Graham's Patent, " the Blue 
Mountains," a rocky ridge along the west bounds 
with an elevation of about 1,000 feet above tidewater. 
The soil generally is a dark, rich loam or clay, and 
admirably adapted to general agriculture and graz- 
ing, which was the chief occupation of the earlier in- 
habitants. But fifty or sixty years ago the soil and 



The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 461 

climate were found to be favorable to the raising of 
all kinds of fruit, and the high prices then prevailing 
induced many to abandon agriculture and make a 
speciality of fruit raising. The first of the small 
fruit raised, to any extent, was the Antwerp rasp- 
berry, claimed to have been brought over from Hol- 
land. For several years this berry was raised with 
great success; it was the staple crop of fruit. It 
grew in abundance and brought fancy prices. Many 
people date the commencement of their prosperity 
from this berry. It was a rich berry dark red in 
color and of a peculiar fragrance. It bore for sev- 
eral weeks and was the best and richest raspberry 
ever raised about here, though we now have a dozen 
varieties, but it ran its course in about twenty years, 
when it almost ceased to grow. No careful cultivation 
or fertilizing could coax it back to its former pro- 
duction — in fact it simply went out of existence and 
now is unknown. The lands are given up to a large 
extent to the raising of fruit, which grows in abund- 
ance and is profitable when properly managed. There 
are many large vineyards, and strawberries, rasp- 
berries, blackberries and currants show abundant 
yields. Large quantities of the best quality of peaches 
are raised. There are many apple and pear orchards; 
in fact, no better fruit is raised. 

The farms have been divided into small tracts of a 
few acres and upwards upon which families live and 
prosper. The soil stands dry weather well. AVith 
proper cultivation, fertilizing and attention the yield 
of all the fruits are large. People wishing to com- 
mence the cultivation of fruit would do well to first 
visit this town and see for themselves the conditions 
and success of fruit raising here. The advantage of 
railroad connection to all sections of the country, and 
the cheap and easy transportation by the river, make 



462 History of Marlborough. 

it an ideal place from which to shi]^ whatever may be 
raised. 

The West Shore railroad has been of great benefit; 
most of the trains stop at both Milton and Marl- 
borough; it furnishes refrigerator ears and ships 
fruit wherever desired. The great hotels of New 
York city, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal and other 
cities are furnished with peaches and other fruit di- 
rect from here. The gross receipts of some of our 
fruit growers are from $10,000 to $20,000 a year. 
Large sums are paid out for fertilizers and for work- 
ing and shipping the crop; and anyone can obtain 
ready employment at good wages. There are 1,000 
persons wlio come here annually to help during the 
picking season. More acreage of fruit is set out 
every year and fruit raising here is becoming a 
regular science. Though none of our people grow 
rich, as riches are spoken of and accumulated in other 
avocations, yet they are wealthy and prosperous for 
tillers of the soil. Their children attend high schools 
and colleges, many keep town and city places and 
sjjend their winters in Europe or in the South. Over 
a million dollars' worth of fruit is shipped or sold 
from here every year. Lands are now selling readily 
and advancing in j^rice. 

Graded schools and churches are numerous. Both 
ends of the town have rural free delivery. A state 
road extending the entire length of the town is about 
to be built. Both villages are lighted with electric 
lights. Telephones and telegraphs are numerous. 
We have the best of banking facilities — one bank in 
this town, one in an adjoining town, and many at 
Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, between which places 
there is almost constant communication. We are but 
a few miles from either. There are also several 
fraternal societies. 



The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 463 

The town has for long been noted as a summer re- 
sort, many families and prominent people spending 
their summers here. The climate and scenery are 
unsurpassed. All boarding houses do well and there 
is an opening for a larger and more modern class of 
houses. Beautiful sites for such buildings are to be 
found all along the banks of the Hudson commanding 
extensive views of the river and surrounding country, 
and can be obtained reasonably. There is a river 
front of seven miles. 

The increase in population has been remarkable. 
The population in 1865 was 2,733; in 1900 it was 
3,978, showing a larger percentage of increase than 
the city of Kingston or any of the towns, except 
Eosendale. and this while most of the towns have 
stood still or lost in })opulation. 



INDEX, 



Acker, William. 347. 
Adams, Ann, 427. 

Nathaniel, 263. 

Samuel, 426, 427. 
Advance Lodge of Odd Fellows, 

451- 
Akerly, Rev. Samuel M., 421, 422, 

4-23- 
Albertson, Richard, 35, 245. 
Allegiance, Oath of, 100, 210. 
Ancestors, Our, 86-89. 
Ancient Customs and Habits, 285- 

297. 
Manuscripts of the Weather, 

297-302. 
Andros, Gov. Edmond, 259. 
Antwerp, Raspberry, 283, 284, 

Articles of Association: 

Signers of, 96-99. 

Objectors, 99. 
Assembly, Act of : 

Appointing Com'rs of High- 
ways, 22. 24. 

Dividing Precinct, 24. 

Forming Precincts, 22. 
Assembly, Colonial, Act of : 

Annuling patent, 19. 
Assessors' Oath, 210. 
Assessment Roll (1815), 242. 
Atherton, Jonathan, 405. 
Ayres, Andrew, 117, 118. 

B. 

Bailey, Nathaniel, 359. 

Ballad, 241. 

Baptist Church Society, 405-414. 

Notes from the Church Book, 
406-413. 

Pastors, 407, 408. 409, 410, 411, 
412, 413. 
Barbaric, John, 27, 35. 

Patent of, 27, 33, 34, 35, 245, 
261. 

Mrs. Elizabeth, 35. 
Barges, 252. 
Barnegat, 443, 444. 
Barrett, Absalom, 36, 256. 

Samuel A., 56, 80, 234. 

Samuel, 412, 413. 
Beebe, Samuel, 402. 
Belfield, John, 38. 
Benedict, Matthew. 405, 406. 



Bennitt, John, 35. 
Benson, John, 440. 
Birdsall, George, 243. 
Bolton, William, 397. 
Bond, Susanna, 38, 39, 85. 

Conveyances of, 37, 38. 

Capt. William, 27, 38, 39, 81, 
83, 85. 

Patent of, 27, 28,30-31. 33, 
34, 38, 242, 243, 245. 

Capt. John, 348. 
Brickyards, 263, 271, 444. 
Brower, David, 439. 
Brown, Charles, 233. 
Brush, Abner, 35, 245, 256. 
Brush's Dock, 36, 254, 256. 
Bruyn, Cornelius, 43. 
Buckley, John, 247, 248, 433. 
Burdge, Richard, 397. 
Burial Grounds (Family), 55, 290, 
291. 

Places (Ancient), 34, 54, 302- 
310. 

Inscriptions, 303-309. 
Burwell, Richmond, 406. 
Business Interests and Enter- 
prises, 457, 458. 

C. 

Campbell, William, 47. 
Carpenter, Benjamin, 91, 93, 96, 
100, 448. 

Joseph, 49, 50. 448, 449. 

Latting, 50, 448. 

Richard, 91, 446. 

Samuel, 24. 

Wrightj 91. 
Case, Stephen. 43, loi. 114, 210. 
Catholic Churches and Catholics, 
414-4 1 8._ 

St. James', 417. 

St. Mary's, 417. 
Caverly, John, 49. 

Latting, 218'. 

Phillip, 256. 
Chittenden, Nathaniel, 212, 397. 
Churchill, John, 16, 17. 
Clark. Rev. E. W., 372, 444. 
Clearwater, Judge, 11. 
Clinton, Dr. Charles, 100, 260. 

Gov. George, 35, 104, no. 
Letters to N. Y. Conven- 
tion, 125, 126. 

Col. James, 100. 104, no. 



[405] 



466 



Index. 



Coffin, Uriah, 397. 
Colden, Capt. Alexander, 22, 47, 
48. 216. 
Cadwallader, y], 48, 50, 141, 
216, 450. 
Transfer of land, 217. 
Cadwallader, Jr., 141, 216. 

Petition of, 140. 
Thomas, 35. 
Colden's Ridge, 216-218, 450. 
Coleman, David, 85. 

Somner, 444. 
Committee of New York, 94. 

Pledge of, 95. 
Committee of Safety. Tn, 128. 

Certificates of, 102, 143. 
Committee of Safety and Obser- 
vation, 91. 
Congress, Continental, 107. 
Proceedings of, 107. 
Provincial, 96, 100. 
Conventions at New Paltz, 94, 100. 

Provincial, 100. 
Cook, Erastus, 317. 
Cooper, Ezekiel, 376, t,-]"], 437. 

John, 376. 
Couwenhoven, Lieut., 51- 
Cropsey, Henry, 48. 

Jeremiah, 308, 434. 

D. 

Dans, Kammer, y], 5i, S3- 
Dayton, Jacob, 91, 135. 138, 397- 

Bond of, 136. 

Will of, 137- 

Thomas R., 347- 
Decker, Cornelius, 83. 

Jacob, Jr., 83. 

Samuelj 48. 
De Lacet, 52. 

Devine, Samuel and others. Peti- 
tion of, 129. 
DeWitt, Charles, 94, 100. 
Deyo, Henry, 24, 446. 
Docks, 249, 250, 251, 254, 255, 256, 

257. 
Doctors, 280, 281, 282, 283. 
Dongan, Gov., 18, 52. 

His Purchase from the In- 
dians, 19. 
Dow, Lorenzo, 399, 400, 401. 
Drake, Reuben, 405. 

Uriah. Bond of. 139. 
DiiBois, Mrs. Ann. 100. 
Cornelius, 46. 
Geartry, 42. 

Conveyance of, 42. 
Henry, 91. 
John, 46, 212. 



DuBois — (Continued). 

Major Lewis, 23, 24, 42, 43, 
44, 91, 94, 100, 107, 108, 
215, 247, 256, 259, 431. 
Will of, 45. 
Court Martial, 122. 

Proceedings of, 123. 
Lewis, Jr., 264. 

Advertisements, 264. 
Nathaniel, 43, 46, 347- 348- 
Nathaniel H., 44. 
Rachel, 233. 

Wilhelmus, 45, 215, 230. 
Duffie, Archibald, 47. 
Dumond, Egbert, 100. 

E. 
Ecker, Wolvert, 91, 93, loi, 248. 
Edwards, Samuel, 102. 
Election (First) : 

After Marlborough became a 

Town, 161. 
(Special), To Raise IMoney, 

344, 345- 
Eleey, An (Poem'), 434-436. 
Eley, William, 40. 
Ellet, Nathan. 405. 
Elliot, Isaac, 308, 434. 
Ellison, Capt. Thomas, 22, 348. 
Ely, Andrew, 359. 

Dr. Benjamin, 221, 228, 233, 

260, 261. 
Map of, 218-224. 
Episcopal Church. Marlborough, 
419-424. 
Organization in Marlborough, 
419. 
First Officers, 419, 420. 
Pastors, 420, 421, 422, 423. 
Present Officers, 424. 
Episcopal Church, Milton, 424- 

425- . 
Organization. 424. 

First Officers, 424. 
Present Officers, 424. 
Everett, Robert, 291.-^ 
Evans, Caot. John, 19, 25, 261. 
Petition of, 20-21. 



Facts and Incidents. 263-268. 
Ferries, 253. 254, 255. 256, 443- 

Advertisement of, 254. 
Field. Charles, 440. 
Fletcher. Gov., 19. 
Foster. EInathan: 

Bond of, 128. 

Petition of, 142. 



Index. 



467 



Fowler, Samuel, 23, 34. 

Sarah, 12. 
Free Masonry, 455. 
Freer. Samuel, 266. 
Friends' Society, Milton, 425-429. 

Ministers, 427, 428. 

Trustees, Present, 428. 
Fry, Hannah F., 427, 428. 

G. 

Gardner, Capt. Daniel, 2>7- 
Gardiner, Silas : 

Petition of, 130. 
Gomez, Daniel, 47. 

David, 47. 

Jacob, 40. 

Lewis, 47, 49, 85, 86. 

Mordecai, 47. 
Graham, Augustine, 31, 41, 81, 85. 

Augustus, 2,2. 

Daniel, 2,Ti. 

James, 41. 
Graveyards. See Burial, etc. 
Griffin, Jacob, 38. 
Griggs, Alexander, 2)~- 4i. 83. 85- 

& Graham : 

Patent of, 31, ^t„ 41, 44, 
45, 47- 450. 

H. 

Hait, John, 446. 

Thaddeus, 233. 
Hallock, Edward, 34, 39, 40, 246 
247, 425, 427. 

Foster, 248, 427. 

James, 242, 426, 427. 

Jesse, 38. 39. 

Nathaniel, 34. 

Nicholas, 427. 

Ponds, 247, 270, 271. 

Samuel, 34, 35, 36, 254, 427. 

Sarah, 36, 27- 

Sarah Hull, 456. 
Handley, Jacob, 36. 
Harcourt, Benjamin, 278. 

Nathaniel, loi, 21^, ^48, 446, 
448. 

Richard, 40, 348. 
Hardenburgh, Col. Johannes, 94, 

100. 
Harris, Thomas, 83. 
Harrison, Francis, 32. 

Patent of, t,2. 

George, 32, 50, 262. 

Patent of, 2^2, 218, 262. 
Hasbrouck, Capt. Jonathan, 2t,. 
406. 

Zacharias, 233. 



Hawkins, Col., 237. 

Hawksley, Rev. Samuel, 420, 421, 

424. 
Highlands, Precinct of, 22, 23. 

Tax Roll of, 83. 

Residents and Freeholders, 84. 
Hill, Isaac, 36, 256. 
Hoffman, Ida, 42, 43. 

Zachariah, 22, 41, 42, 85, 86, 
450. 
Hornbeck, Jacob, 100. 
Houses, Ancient, 245, 246. 
Hudson, Henry, 257. 

Notes from his Journal, 258. 

River, 22, 257. 
Humphrey. John, Jr.. 22. 
Hunter, James, 38, 39. 



Indians, 51-56. 

Trails, 53, 54. 

Forts, 54. 

Tribes, 54. 

Burying Ground, 54, 55. 
Invasion of Canada, The, 104-107. 



Jansen, Pieter. 83, 85. 

Jay, John, 278. 

Jef row's Hook, 220, 259-261. 1 

Justices of the Peace, 276, 277,' 

279- . . 
Commission of Appointment,. 
277, 278. 

K. 

Kelsey, Nathaniel. 91, 348. 
Kennedy, Archibald, 2,2, 40, 47. 

Patent of, 32. 
Kenney, Rev. E. J. A., 417, 418. 
Ketcham, Annanias, 397. 

Lieut. Edward, 317, 319, 320, 
336. 343- 
Letters to his ^lother, 
321-328. 
John. 319, 320, 336, 347. 

Funeral Sermon, 336- 

341- 
Letters to his Mother, 
326, 2,^7, 2>2^-232„ 334, 
335. 
Post. 4SI, 452. 
Kill. Old Mian's. 20. 80, 81. 
Kniffin, Euphina, 49. 

Samuel, 50. 
Knights of Pythias, 451. 
Knowlton. Daniel. 230_, 426. 
Thomas, t,?- 40- 



468 



Index. 



Land Grants, 27-51. 
Lane, Henry, 49. 
Lattingtown, 24, 403, 404, 446-450. 
Latting, John, 49, 448. 

Sarah, 448. 
Lawson, Oliver, 347. 
Lawyers, 279, 280. 
LeFevre, Isaac, 46. 
Lester, Allen, 243, 359. 

Daniel, 349. 
Levies. See Regiment, loi. 
Lewis, Elijah, 40, 91, 246, 256. 

Micajah, 102. 

Valentine, 349. 

Zadoc, 348. 

Z. N., 402. 
Library, Free, S. H. Hallock, 455, 

456. 
Lockwood, Eli T., 278. 

Henr\', 91. 

Isaac, 124. 

Joseph, 212 . 

Josiah, 36, 402. 
Bond of, 139. 
Longbottom, James H., 402, 441. 
Low, Isaac, 91. 

M. 

Mackey, Jurian, t,/. 38, 39. 
Manitonomah (Poem), 56-80. 
Mann, Nehemiah H., 334, 335, 

347- 
Mapes, Robert D., 347. 
Barnabns M., 402. 
Marks of Cattle, 201-203. 
Marlborough : 

Boundaries of Town, 25. 
Description of, 243, 244. 
Duke of, 16, 17. 
Maid of. The (Poem), 268, 

269. 
Organization of Town, 22. 
Marlborough, New, Precinct of, 
24, 222. 
Population of (1790), 82. 
Committee of, 91. 
Power of, 92. 
Election of Officers in, 102, 

103. 
Population of Town, 244, 463. 
Society, 43. 
Marlborough, Town of, 18-27. 
Field Book and Map of Par- 
tition, 45, 46. 
How the Town Derived Its 

Name, 16-18. 
In the (Tivil War, 346, 347. 
In the Revolution, 91-14S. 



Marlborough Village, 215, 431- 
437- 
Business Enterprises, 457. 
First National Bank, 453. 
Grange No. 904, 454. 
Hose Co. No. i, 453. 
Incorporation of, 452. 
Postmasters of, 436. 
Martin, William, .107, 348. 
McKinney, Arthur, 127. 
Petition of, 131. 
Petition for Release of, 132. 
Mee, Rev. James Francis, 415, 416, 

417- 
Members of Assembly, etc., 270. 
Merritt, Caleb, 24. 
Charles, 402. 
David, 446, 447. 
George, 47^. 48. 

Conveyance of, 48, 49. 
Josiah, 229, 233. 
Humphrey : 

Bond of, 127. 
Leonard, 308, 434. 
Methodism, 375-397. 

Newburgh Circuit, 277, 398. 
Classes of, s77j 378. 
Preachers, 398. 
Organization, 375. 
Methodist Episcopal Society, Mil- 
ton, 397. 
Metliodist Church, ^larlborough, 
401-403. 
Ministers, 402, 403. 
Stewards, Present, 403. 
Trustees (1830), 402. 
Present, 403. 
Methodist Church, Milton, 397- 

399- 
Ministers, 399. 
Stewards, 399. 
Trustees (First), 397. 
(1845). 398. 
Present, 399. 
Methodist Church. Lattintown, 

403- 404- 

Trustees (1848), 404. 
Middagh, Jacob : 

Petition of, 127. 
Militia, loi. See Regiment. 
Millard, Charles, 233, 247, 257,359, 

431- 
Advertisements of, 431, 432. 
Walter, 432, 433. 
Milton, 437-446. 
Academy, 444. 
Business Enterprises, 457. 
Fire Engine Association, 453. 
Foundry. 45S. 
(-on-Hudson) Grange, 453. 



Index. 



469 



Milton — (Coiitimicd). 

Land Grants (Dock Prop- 
erty), 36. 

Mills, 458. 

Postmasters of, 445. 

Savings Bank, 444. 
Mills and Factories, Ancient, 

247-249. 
Montgomery, Gen., 105, 106. 
Moodney Creek, 19, 22. 
Morey. Joseph, 24, 91, 94, 100, 348. 
Morres, Cornel : 

Patent of, 37. 
Morris, Euphemia, 448. 

Gouverneur : 

Resolution on Motion of, 
144. 

Lewis, 448. 

Patent of, 31, 49. 

and Graham Patent, 450. 
Murderer's Kill, 19, 22, 52. 

N. 

National Pioneer, 437. 

Advertisements of, 438-443. 
Negro Children, Registry of, 214. 
Negroes. See Slaves. 
Newburgh Circuit. See Metho- 
dism. 

Precinct, 23, 24, 40, 100. 
Newman, John, 444. 

John H._. 444. 
New Marlborough. See Marl- 
borough. 
New Netherlands : 

Description of the Natives, 53. 
New Paltz Patent, 220, 260, 261. 
New Windsor, 22, '23. 
Nicholson, John, 100. 
Nicoll's Landing. See Docks, 35, 

36.. 
Nottingham, Samuel, 427. 

Stephen, 218, 219, 221, 222, 
348. 

Oath of Office, 211. 



Oakley, Peter C, 399. 
Officers, Town (1818), 171. 

(1840), 175, 176. 
Ostram, James I, 212, 358. 
Ostrander, David, 348. 
Our Country's Quarrel (Poem), 

238-240. 
Overseers of Highway and Men, 

List of (1800), 168-171. 
Overseers of Highway and Men, 

List of (i8r8) 171-175. 
Overseers of Highway and Men. 

List of (1840)," 1 76-181. 



Patents, 27-50. 
Path Masters, 161-165. 
Pauling, Levi, 38, 94, 104. 
People, Lands and Conditions of 

Town, 459-463. 
Perkins, Aaron, 408, 409, 410, 411. 
412. 

Abijah, 91, 94, 96, 99. 
Pinkney, Thomas, 308, 434. 
Plattekill, Town of, etc., 19, 22, 
24, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223. 

Formation of, 25. 

Separation from Marlbor- 
ough, 165. 166. 
Point, Blue, 22, 220. 
Polhemus, Cornelius, 438. 
Political Index (Newspaper), 432, 

447- 
Poll List (1834), 310-315- 
Ponds, 271, 272, 273. 
Potter, Nathaniel, 91, 118, 291, 348. 
Powell, Jacob, 250, 256, 443. 

Thomas, 250, 256. 
Pratt, George W., 317. 
Precinct Meetings, 149-159. 
Presbyterian Church, Milton, 

371-374- 
Elders, 373, 374. 
IVIinisters, 372, 373. 
Trustees (First), 371. 
Presbyterian Society and Church, 

351-357- 
Deed for Lot, 354. 
Elders, 359. 363. 
Ministers, 358-363. 
New organization, 357-363. 
Records, 353-357. 364-371. 

Baptism of Children of 

Members, 371. 
Baptisms, Marriages, etc., 
364-371. 
Subscriptions. 353, 355. 
Purdy, Francis. 47. 

(Conveyance of, 48. 

Isaac, 348. 

Silas, 91, 94, 248, 446. 

William J., 317, 343, 347, 405. 



Quassaick, 18, 23, 54. 
Quick, Jurey(Jury, Jurian, etc.), 
41, 42, 43, 44, 85, 86, 348. 
Thomas, 42, 348. 
Quimby, James, 233. 

Levi, 34, 132, 133, 134. 

Oath of Allegiance, 133. 
Petitions of, 132, 133. 
Recognizance of, 134. 
Moses, 50. 



470 



Index. 



Quimby — (Continued). 

Nathaniel, Petition of, 133. 
Peter, 252, 441. 



Records for Care of the Poor, 

205-209. 
Records of Strayed Stock, 204, 
205. 
Presbyterian Society. See 
Presbvterian, etc. 
Regiment, Cantine's, 108. 

Fifth (Lewis DuBois), 108, 
109. 
Prisoners of, iio. 
Fourth, loi. 
Roswell Hopkin's, 108. 
Southern, Minute Men, loi. 
Third (Ulster), 104. 

Officers of Fourth and 
Tenth Co., 105. 
Thomas, 108. 

Twentieth, of Militia, 317. 
One Hundred and Twentieth, 

3^7^ 341. 
One Hundred and Fifty-sixth, 

317. 343- 
Relyea, Dennis (Old Dennis, Den- 

nie, etc.), 20, 81, 83, 85. 261. 
Revolution, Marlborough in the, 
91-148. 
See Marlborough. 
Associated Exempts, 102. 
Day of Rejoicing, 145. 
Levies, loi. 

Order or Proclamation, 147. 
Rhodes, Joseph, 108. 
Roads, Ancient. 219, 220. 

Descriptions of, 183-199. 
Robert, J. J. A., 228, 231, 232, 233. 
Roe, C. S., 252, 438, 439, 440. 441. 

443- 
Rose, Lieut., 126. 

Cashiered for Insubordina- 
tion, 116. 
Petition of, 127. 



Safford, Horatio Gate, 243. 
Sales of Land, 266, 267. 
Sands, Benjamin, 36, 2i7, 256. 

David, 36, 427, 437. 

Dock. See Docks, 36, 37. 249. 
School Commissioners, 211, 212. 
Schoonmaker, Egbert, 80. 
Schuyler, Gen., 105. 
Sears, Sherburne, 36. 
Seven Patentees, 33. 



Sharpe, Col. George H., 317, 341, 

342. 
Shawangunk Mountains, 19. 
Sherman, James, 36. 
Sherwood, Joseph, 229. 
Simson, Solomon, 34. 
Slavery and Slaves, 224-234. 

Bills of Sale, 228, 229. 

Manumission of Slaves, 230- 
232. 

Registry of Births, 230, 232, 

233- 
Slavery, To (Poem)^, 234, 235. 
Sloop " Sally." See Vessels, 

139, 249, 251. 
Smith, Anning, 34, 36, 104, 247, 
249, 348. 
Eben, 398, 399. 
Eliphalet, 243. 
Graveyard. See Burial, etc, 

35, 55, 303-305. 

John M., 34. 

John, 91. 

Leonard, 34, loi, 247, 303, 359. 
Petition of, 138. 

Leonard, Jr., 34. 

Lewis, 34. 

Ludlam, 348. 

Luff, 34, 401. 

Nehemiah L., 46, 405, 406. 

Richard, -212. 
Societies and Institutions, 451-459. 
Soper, William, 36, 46, 212, 256. 

Abram D., 278, 348, 402. 
Stanton, Benjamin, 49, 448. 
Staples, David, 212, 349, 397. 
Steamboat Notice. See Vessels, 

252. 
Stilwell, Samuel, 349. 
Stratton, John, 102. 
St. John, Ebenezer, 117. 

Anson, 439. 
Supervisors, 273, 274. 
Sutton, Joshua, 426. 

T. 

Taber, Stephen, 427, 428. 
Tappen, Christian, 232. 

Christopher, ico, 397. 

George, 406. 

John, 265. 
Tavern Keepers (i795. 1796), 211. 
Taylor, Charles H., 442. 

Mrs. M. B., 442. 
Terboss (Terbush), Henry, 91, 94, 

loi, 402. 
Thorn, "William, 425. 
Thorne, James, 247. 433- 

John, 247, 433- 



Index. 



471 



Tories, 143, I44- 

Tow-Boat "Atlanta" (Notice), 

252. See Vessels. 
Town Clerks, 275. 

Matters, Ancient, 21 1-2 14. 

Meetings, 159-161, 165-167. 
Townsend, Benjamin, 233, 242, 
278. 

Samuel, ii7- 

Petition of, 119. 
Transportation, 249-253. 
Tuttle, Selah, 437. 

U. 

Ulster Plebeian (Newspaper), 
Extracts from, 265. 

V. 

Valentine, Annanias, 308, 434. 

Van DeWater, Joseph. See Slav- 
ery, 228. 

Vaughns Expedition up the River. 
113-116. 

Vessels, 249-253. 

W. 

Warren, Thomas, 446. 

Wallkill, Precinct of, 23. 

War, Civil. See Marlborough, 

317-319. 
Enlistments, 346, 347. 

Mexican, 237. 
of 1812, 237. 

Washington's Headquarters, 2t,. 
Webster, Daniel, 86. 
Wentworth, Hugh, 35. 261. 
Westbrook, Gen. Frederick. 237. 
West Shore Railroad, 462. 
Weynant (Wygant), William, .-: 

38, 39. 
Wickham, William, 50. 

Transfer of Land, 217. 



Wiggins, Elizabeth. Petition of, 

120. 
Wood, Capt. Jacob, 112, 249, 256. 

Exempts in his Company, no, 
III. 
Wood's Vindication, 113. 

John, 46, 249, 348, 426. 
Woolsey, C M., 347, 348. 

Daniel, 108. 

David W.. 348, 413- 

Elijah, 379. 

Experiences of, 379~397- 

Henry, 108, 397. 

John, 43, 55,91.94- 108, 378. 

John, Jr., 106. 

Josiah, 108. 

Noah, 108, 231, 405, 406. 

Richard, 12, 24. 

Conveyance of, 40. 

Richard I., 397. 

Thomas, 50, 379, 397. 

William, 108, 348. 

Commission of, 103, 104. 

William B., 50, 217, 218. 
Wright, Jacob, 425. 
Wygant, Jane, 39, 223. 

John, 233- 

John W.. 46. 349. 

Jurey. 39, 223. 

Michael, 39, 348. 

Nick, 91. 

Nathaniel, 102. 

Thomas, 406. 

William, 40. 

Y. 

Young, Alexander, 34. 425. 
Edward, 283, 284. 
John, 34, 41- 245. 348, 425. 
William C, 263. 



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